New report shows animal medicines are being used responsibly - and new NOAH Data Sheet Compendium will help this continue

The National Office of Animal Health has welcomed the publication of the independent Veterinary Residues Committee report giving residues surveillance figures for 2001. The Committee concluded that no UK authorised use of a veterinary medicinal product resulted in a residue which would give cause for concern for human health: a high level of compliance with safe use of animal medicines is being achieved.

"These figures show animal medicines are being used responsibly," said Phil Sketchley, NOAH chief executive. "Only 75 of 44,000 samples (0.17%) had residues of animal medicines above the Maximum Residue Limit (MRL), and the Food Standards Agency's toxicologists advised that none of these were of concern for human health. However, veterinary surgeons, animal health merchants and farmers need to keep up-to-date with the latest information on animal medicines. Instructions for use can change, new indications can be added and particularly important, withdrawal periods can change."

The 2002/03 edition of the NOAH Compendium of Data Sheets for Veterinary Products has just been launched. "With over 1000 data sheets, including 70 new products and over 100 products with significant changes, the new edition of this book is a vital resource to ensure users of animal medicines have accurate access to the latest information. The inclusion of the withdrawal period table in the new publication makes the checking of withdrawal period information much easier," he said.

Mr Sketchley added: "The huge amount of work put in by medicine manufacturers to meet the very stringent approval process for animal medicines in the UK, coupled with regulations controlling distribution of medicines and the use of animal medicines on farms leads to healthy British food being produced from healthy British livestock."

Over 50% of the UK animal medicines market is for companion animals and it is equally important that veterinary surgeons have access to the full manufacturer's information on the state of the art medicines being developed for the nation's pets.

A free copy will be delivered to every UK veterinary practice and branch practice once they have nominated a veterinary wholesaler who will then in turn deliver their copy, and vets can make extra purchases via this source. Copies are available for purchase by other users of animal medicines, price £26.00, from the NOAH office.

23 October 2002

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.

2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 36 corporate members and 12 associate members. In 2001 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the £359 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.

3. The first annual report of the Veterinary Residues Committee was published on 17 October. It is also available on the following website: http://www.vet-residues-committee.gov.uk.