Antibiotics advertisements to farmers banned in UK

The change comes as a result of the European Commission’s view that the UK did not “correctly transpose” the EU Directive which prohibits the advertising of certain medicinal products to the general public.

The move has received mixed response from the industry with some organisations “disappointed” by the decision.

NFU animal health and welfare adviser Catherine McLaughlin believed, as an industry, farmers and vets were going to have to find different ways to open up dialogue. However, she stressed vets had a part to play in responsible use of medicines.

“Vets have a part to play in responsible prescribing and should feel confident enough in their dialogue to say why they are prescribing a product.”

However, the British Veterinary Association (BVA) welcomed the decision, saying advertising antimicrobials put “undue pressure on veterinary surgeons”.

BVA president Peter Jones said: “New antimicrobials are heavily advertised by pharmaceutical companies and there can be undue pressure put on veterinary surgeons by clients who want to try new products that promise good results, but which may not be appropriate from the point of view of responsible use.

“Ultimately, it is the veterinary surgeon who will make the decision on which veterinary products to use and vets will continue to work with their farm clients to ensure antimicrobials are used prudently and responsibly.”