RUMA CA&E has broadly welcomed the publication of the Government’s plans to reform the Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) in Great Britain. This follows a consultation last year in which RUMA CA&E submitted a comprehensive response.
RUMA CA&E Secretary General, Steve Howard, says: “We are pleased that the feedback we and others submitted, has been carefully considered. This will be an important piece of legislation that will contribute towards protecting and improving animal health and welfare in the UK through medicines stewardship, so it is important to get it right.
“The Government has taken onboard concerns that were raised on a number of points in the legislation and amendments have been made.
“For example, it is pleasing to see that the collection of species or sector specific antibiotic usage data will remain a voluntary initiative, which the Secretary of State can request if insufficient progress is made. We feel this is a fair approach and, whilst it does make the need for usage data clear, it takes into account the progress that RUMA CAE and others are already making to enable such data gathering.
“The future regulations will have a key role to play in introducing further measures to help reduce the development and spread of antimicrobial resistance and we are pleased to have provided important feedback to help strengthen the legislation.”
“We and our members will now take time to review the details and provide any further feedback. We look forward to the adoption of the legislation.”