Back to Topics
NOAH response to the BVA policy position on the responsible use of parasiticides in grazing animals
NOAH welcomes the British Veterinary Association’s (BVA) commitment to promoting responsible parasiticide use in grazing animals and recognises the importance of ensuring sustainable parasite control across livestock sectors. We share the overarching goal of safeguarding the efficacy of anthelmintics through evidence-based stewardship. NOAH have advocated for the sustainable use of parasiticides through their ongoing contributions and support of the industry-led initiatives in this area. SCOPS (Sustainable Control of Parasites in Sheep), COWS (Control of Worms Sustainably), and CANTER (Controlling ANTiparasitic resistance in Equines Responsibly) are cross-industry initiatives that provide independent, evidence-based guidance on the responsible and sustainable use of anthelmintics in sheep, cattle, and horses respectively. NOAH alongside colleagues in these expert industry groups as well as the specialist species veterinary groups (Sheep Veterinary Society (SVS) and British Cattle Veterinary Association (BCVA)), were disappointed not to have been invited to the consultation process on the drafting of the BVA position paper on the use of parasiticides in grazing animals.
Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) play an essential role in ensuring the responsible use of anthelmintics by providing expert, evidence-based advice to animal keepers on appropriate product selection and sustainable parasite control. AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority), AHDA (Animal Health Distributors Association), and Vetpol provide specialist training and continuing professional development (CPD) for SQPs to ensure that they are well placed to offer animal keepers responsible advice on parasiticide use. By combining strong regulatory oversight with practical, farm-level engagement, SQPs help ensure that parasiticides are used only when necessary based on the herd/flock management practices, the farm or grazing environment and after appropriate diagnostic testing,
NOAH supports the accurate and responsible promotion of parasiticides through the NOAH Code of Practice. The Code is a self-regulatory framework that supports responsible anthelmintic use by setting high standards for the marketing and promotion of veterinary medicines. It ensures that information provided to prescribers and animal keepers is accurate, balanced, and compliant with regulations.
NOAH remains fully committed to working with the BVA and all industry partners to ensure responsible, sustainable, and practical use of anthelmintics in grazing animals. By improving communication, aligning with existing initiatives, and supporting collaborative education, we can achieve better health outcomes for animals while preserving the effectiveness of these essential medicines.