The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has issued a proposal for an additional distribution category for authorised veterinary medicinal products (POM-EA). The BSAVA and BVA have been working closely together, primarily through the BVA Medicines Group (on which BSAVA sits), to communicate with the profession and develop a response to these proposals. In particular, the BSAVA has obviously been keen to ensure that any response takes into consideration the potential impact on companion animals and ensure there is a recognition that despite appearing to be aimed primarily at the large animal sector, the proposed changes are of just as much relevance to small animals.

The proposal centres around the concept that once an initial clinical diagnosis has been determined and medicine prescribed, it can be repeated without any further authorisation for up to three years by an SQP or pharmacist.

This is supposedly aimed at farm practices to combat the criticisms which led to the Competition Commission enquiry back in 2005. However, there are concerns that this will also result in the push to licence, for example, virtually every flea and worm preparation used in companion animals. Indeed, in its Concept Note, made available through the RCVS, the VMD request comments on “whether this new distribution category be restricted to farm animal or could include horses and pet animals”.

Responses
The deadline for responding to this consultation has now passed.