BVA launches guidance on the use of anthelmintics

British Veterinary Association (BVA) guidelines on anthelmintics urge responsibility from professionals working in the field of animal health.

Anthelmintics have been used for some time to help manage and treat the spread of worms in grazing stock.

However, there are now concerns of overuse as some sheep, horses, cattle and goats have been found to be infected with worms displaying resistance to the treatment.

In response, the BVA has launched a poster campaign to help raise awareness of the issue among animal health practitioners.

Peter Jones, chair of the BVA medicines group, said: “Every use of anthelmintics increases the risk of resistance developing. Veterinary surgeons have a duty to ensure anthelmintic use is judicious.”

The BVA has a membership of more than 12,000 individuals and works to promote the interests both of its members and of the animals that they keep.

Communication channels are also kept open between the association, government, members of the media and parliamentarians in order to further its work.