European Parliament and Veterinary Medicines

18 December 2003

"Yesterday's decision by the European Parliament apparently aims at reclassifying all veterinary medicinal products for food-producing animals as POMs despite the fact that there is no harmonised definition throughout Europe of either what constitutes a veterinary prescription or indeed a veterinary medicine" said Mr Greet.

"However, the matter is further complicated within the UK " he said "by the fact that we are still awaiting the Government consultation on the Competition Commission Inquiry's recommendations into the supply of POMs by the profession. We will clearly need to give detailed consideration to what the European Parliament has proposed, but question recent suggestions that this decision will lead to animal suffering or to higher costs for animal owners, and certainly not in the long-term. Furthermore, while I have yet to study the decision in detail, I would reassure worried owners that this legislation does not relate to pet animals. Since this decision is fundamentally related to the protection of human health suggestions that the cost of routine medicines for pets are set to soar are not justified."

Amid concerns over the effect this decision could have on the economic viability of farmers Mr Greet pointed out that the recent House of Commons EFRA Committee report had provided a "graphic warning of the implications for animal health and welfare and disease surveillance should the future economic viability of farm animal veterinary practice not be addressed. In partnership", he said "farmers and vets can achieve an optimum use of medicines, thus saving money as well as providing reassurance to the consumer as to our responsible use of medicines."

Notes for Editors:

1. For further information please contact Chrissie Nicholls or Helena Cotton in the BVA Press Office on 020 7636 6541; chrissien@bva.co.uk; helenac@bva.co.uk

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