Dairy drying-off medicine suspended after cow deaths

Farmers and vets are being asked to stop using Velactis to dry off dairy cows after it was linked to serious adverse effects and deaths.

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has suspended the use of the medicine following reports of recumbency – where cows lie down and are unable to stand up – and animals dying.

The exact cause of these adverse events is unknown, but farmers are being urged to stop using the medicine and use alternative sources to dry off cows.

See also: 8 essential jobs when drying off cows

Velactis (Cabergoline), marketed by Ceva Animal Health, was authorised through the European Medicines Agency (EMA) in December 2015 and first sold in the UK in April 2016.

The VMD said most adverse effects, which have been reported mainly in Denmark, occurred within eight to 24 hours following product administration. Anecdotal evidence suggests hypocalcaemia treatments may be successful in reversing clinical signs.

Ceva has voluntarily suspended the supply of Velactis in Europe after the EMA recommended suspending the medicine pending the outcome of further investigations.

The EMA has also recommended a recall of all Velactis currently on the market in the EU as a precautionary measure.

NFU Scotland response

Penny Johnston, animal health and welfare policy manager at NFU Scotland, said: “We know Velactis has not been on the market long and we support the decision to withdraw it following reports by farmers of potential effects on cattle.

“The UK has one of the highest welfare standards for its animals in the world, and we work hard to maintain that status.

“NFU Scotland is encouraging vets and farmers to submit to the VMD any reports of adverse events associated with the use of Velactis by contacting the Scottish government or directly to CEVA Sante Animale for further investigation if required.”