Mixed views on antimicrobial ads decision

Vets have condemned the government’s refusal to ban the advertising of antimicrobials to farmers, but the farming industry has expressed relief.

Following a consultation on a range of proposals, the government said it would continue to allow antimicrobials to be advertised to livestock producers.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate made the decision following a consultation on the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, which are updated annually. 

The move will be a relief to many farmers who had argued that banning advertisements could leave them in the dark about tackling animal health issues.

But the move was condemned by the British Veterinary Association, which said it was disappointed that a ban on advertising would not go ahead.

BVA president Harvey Locke said the association supported a ban as a sensible approach to the responsible use of antimicrobials.

“New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies to vets and farmers, so it is vital that the message of responsible use is not lost.”

Antimicrobial resistance was a serious issue for both animal and human health, said Mr Locke.

“We are disappointed that the VMD is not restricting the advertising of these products to farmers.”

Pharmaceutical companies must now undertake to advertise responsibly, Mr Locke said.

“Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use,” he added.

“Vets and farmers should work together to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly.”

Meanwhile, new controls due to come into force in April 2012 will clamp down on sales of veterinary medicines online.

Only approved websites will be legally allowed to dispense and supply veterinary medicines, the government said.

The BVA said it supported the use of a logo on approved websites to help consumers buy medicines from reputable sources.

Mr Locke said: “Without proper regulation, online pharmacies could be sourcing drugs from overseas and selling counterfeit medicines that look genuine.”