The VMD provides expert training programmes to build global capacity in responsible governance for the manufacture, distribution and use of safe and effective veterinary medicines. With like-minded aims, Safe Medicines for Animals through regulatory training SMArt is set to positively impact the welfare of animals, people and the environment. As part of the UK Reference Centre for Antimicrobial Resistance, designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the VMD and Defra support SMArt

Products were detained and subsequently seized at Border Force, Newcastle Airport. The veterinary medicines that the passenger attempted to import were: 28 x 250ml bottles of Depocillin 10 x 50ml bottles of Dexamethasone 5 5 x 50ml bottles of Methocarbomol These products were intended for use in horses and are not UK authorised products. The medicines were seized under Regulation 25 (Importation of unauthorised veterinary medicinal products) of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013.

Pain has a significant impact on animal welfare and analgesia is considered to be imperative in helping to alleviate it. In the first of a series of guidelines produced for primary care vets the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) has summarised current recommendations on the safe use of analgesia in horses. The guidelines have been published in the January issue of the Equine Veterinary Journal (EVJ) and can be downloaded here. Clinical guidelines are standard practice in human medicin