New Legislation On Veterinary Drugs
The new legislation on veterinary drugs incorporates important changes that must be applied as of January 28, 2022 in all the countries that make up the European Union.
The legislation aims to make the laws much clearer and more transparent for their more effective application. In this way, it will be possible to make a better contribution to the welfare of animals, the veterinary union and also public health. Here are some of the most relevant aspects of the new legislation.
The most relevant of the legislation on veterinary drugs
Veterinary recipes
One of the most relevant changes in the Legislation on veterinary drugs has to do, precisely with prescriptions. As of January 28, 2022, only veterinarians will be authorized to issue prescriptions.
In addition, the amount should be specifically limited according to the treatment. On the other hand, it should be noted that the recipe will be valid throughout the European Union, and will be regulated by different regulations.
Central drug base
Another vitally important aspect is the creation of the central drug database, to which all veterinarians will have access. In this database there will be much more complete information about the different drugs.
Among many other data, veterinarians will be able to learn about possible adverse effects of the drug, as well as pharmacovigilance data.
Prescriptions known as cascade
The so-called cascade prescriptions have also been relaxed. In this sense, the new legislation on medicines for veterinary use establishes a greater facility for export from other countries within the European Union.
Likewise, medicines may also be imported from other countries outside the EU, although it will be under other conditions and with specific restrictions for antibiotics.
Online sales
In practice, online sales will be much more limited. Only medicines that do not require a prescription can be purchased online.
On the other hand, online pharmacies must be duly certified by the European Union. Likewise, they will be closely monitored to ensure that they do not violate any of the rules and laws established in the new legislation.
Medicated feed
In the current market there are many feed and snacks that contain some type of percentage of medicine. According to the new legislation, such feed must be sold only with a veterinary prescription. These food products cannot contain any antimicrobial substances. Furthermore, they cannot be prescribed for more than two weeks.
Antibiotics
The European Union has yet to define the definitive list of antibiotics that will be restricted or prohibited use. The objective of this measure, among other things, is to prevent antimicrobial resistance.
The use of antibiotics in a preventive way will also be restricted for the same reason of resistance. Monitoring the use of antibiotics is mandatory, especially at the national level.
Products of animal origin
With regard to products of animal origin, animals imported outside the borders of the European Union must respect the prohibition of antibiotics that are reserved for the exclusive use of human beings. In the same way, they must comply with the prohibition regarding the growth and resistance of antimicrobials.
The new legislation and animal welfare
As we are seeing , the objective of the new legislation is animal welfare. Also the development of medicines that are suitable for the European Union and that can also guarantee availability for different species of animals, including the smallest ones, such as fish or bees.
It also seeks to simplify the marketing and supervision of all previously approved veterinary drugs. On the other hand, supervision seeks to preserve the efficacy of antibiotics, avoiding resistance to the same through their indiscriminate use.
Legislation on veterinary drugs is intended to promote the welfare of as many animal species as possible. Likewise, it seeks to improve the working conditions of the entire veterinary union to also guarantee the welfare of public health.
In conclusion, it is a great initiative that seeks to organize and monitor more effectively everything related to medicines for animals. It should be remembered that said legislation comes into force as of January 2022.
