Resumen de Prescribing: Veterinary prescriptions: FVE calls for a stronger legal framework

• THE Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) is calling for ‘an explicit legislative framework’ that requires veterinary prescriptions to be issued only by a veterinarian.

  In a position statement on its website (www.fve.org), the FVE says that it has already welcomed proposals for a new European Regulation on veterinary medicinal products. However, it says it wishes ‘to point out strongly’ that the proposed text relating to the person writing a veterinary prescription – ‘A veterinary prescription shall only be issued by a person qualified to do so in accordance with applicable national law’ – is too vague. This, it says, could jeopardise the health and welfare of animals and the health of people.

  The FVE describes the prescription as ‘the decisive and critical step before using medicinal products’, noting that ‘incorrect prescriptions go hand in hand with misuse and overuse of medicinal products and can endanger the health and welfare of animals and can enhance the occurrence and spread of resistance against antimicrobials and antiparasitic medicines.’