BVA Live: controversies around small animal parasiticide prescribing to be debated

With growing concerns around parasiticide resistance and their impact on the environment, veterinary professionals are invited to debate the use and prescription of these medicines, alongside other hot topics impacting the profession and animal welfare, in the Interactive Zone at BVA Live next month.  

Responsible or reckless? Parasiticide prescribing in vet care will see British Veterinary Association (BVA) Senior Vice President Anna Judson join veterinary surgeon Alice Watson to discuss whether veterinary practices are prescribing small animal parasiticides responsibly and whether changes need to be made.  

The session comes as BVA’s Voice of the Veterinary Profession survey statistics reveal that 73% of vets in clinical practice report clients are not very concerned about parasiticide resistance, whilst almost all (98%) companion animal vets are concerned about the impact of parasiticides on the environment. In addition, 11% of vets say they thought parasiticide use could be reduced through educating the general public and pet owners, and 11% say it could be reduced by regulating dispensing, by making all parasiticides prescription only.  

The session is an opportunity to discuss if vets are balancing effective control with the risks of overuse, resistance and environmental impact. It’s just one of the thought-provoking debates running in the BVA Live Interactive Zone, at stand C30, during BVA Live taking place at the NEC Birmingham, on 12-13 June 2025. BVA Officers - President Elizabeth Mullineaux, Senior Vice President Anna Judson and Junior Vice President Rob Williams – will join guests to lead discussions around ethical dilemmas, contentious issues and the topics that currently matter the most to the veterinary profession.  

BVA Interactive Zone sessions 

Thursday 12 June 2025 

• 9:30 – 10:15: Euthanasia, better a day too early than a day too late? - In association with the Animal Welfare Foundation 

• 11:30 – 12:15: What should reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act look like? 

• 14:00 – 14:45: The future is here, are you ready? AI in practice today - In association with Lupa 
• 16:30 – 17:15: A great workplace MOT for a happier team 

Friday 13 June 2025 

• 10:30 – 11:15: Responsible or reckless? Parasiticide prescribing in vet care 

• 13:30 – 14:15: Myth busting - What is in your contract? 

• 14:25 – 15:10: Breeding for better brachy health – hope or reality? 

• 15:35 – 16:15: Can we make the CMA remedies work in practice?  
• 16:20 – 17:00:  Veterinary business brainstorm: Your questions, our Insights – an interactive Q&A 

Delegates can also discuss parasiticides and their use further in Responsible prescribing of parasiticides: How and why dog & cat parasite prevention needs to change, which takes place at BVA Live on Thursday 12 June in Clinical Theatre Two from 3.40pm.  

British Veterinary Association President Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux said: “We know many veterinary professionals are concerned about parasiticide resistance, their impact on the environment and how to use them responsibly. This session is a fantastic opportunity to share your views on this issue, what you see in practice and what action is needed to ensure they are used responsibly to minimise any negative impact. We look forward to a lively conversation about this and other thought-provoking subjects in the Interactive Zone at BVA Live next month.”  

Find the full programme and more details at https://bvalive.vetshow.com/ 

Educational bursaries  

BVA members still have time to secure an educational bursary, covering the full ticket cost, for this year’s BVA Live. Find out more, get full terms and conditions and book a bursary at bva.co.uk/events