15/06/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

The number of SQPs has reached a record high, following the latest SQP qualification exams. Fifty new SQPs have been added to the AMTRA register this month, bringing the total to almost 4000 throughout the UK. The new SQPs come from a broad base within the animal health industry and include veterinary nurses, pet shop staff, equine suppliers and agricultural merchants.

All SQPs have to pass a series of written and oral exams at Higher Education level 4 (first-year degree level). The exams cover a wide range of subjects including knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and nutrition as well as a good understanding of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations and the SQP Code of Practice. In order to qualify, SQPs also need to demonstrate thorough knowledge of current animal medicines in order to advise clients on appropriate product choice and optimal use, storage, handling and waste disposal. Disease control, parasite control strategies and knowing when to refer the animal owner to seek advice from a veterinary surgeon, are also an important part of the role of the SQP.

AMTRA would like to congratulate these fifty new SQPs who take the total to 3884 - a record number. New requirements on SQPs upgrading their qualification by the end of 2008 had recently seen the number of SQPs dip a little, but with these newly qualified SQPs the total now exceeds historic levels. The majority of the new SQPs specialise in companion animals, but there is good growth in equine and large animal SQPs.

SQP retailers remain committed to providing excellent advice, good customer service and great value for animal owners. I’m delighted to welcome these latest recruits to the almost 4000 professionals serving the UK’s animals with high quality VPS medicines and advice.

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04/06/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

VMD has today published a paper updating us on progress with the distribution category review.

The VPC reviewed 848 products and recommended 55 products for re-classification to a less restrictive distribution category while maintaining appropriate controls on the safe use of these medicines. Of these 55 products, there were 5 products where the VMD and MAH could not support the VPC’s recommendations to reclassification from NFA-VPS to AVM-GSL. These products treat worm infestations (including lungworm and/or giardia) where professional advice is needed for the safe use of the product and the VPC had recommended a category that did not require any professional advice.

The paper lists the products which were eventually recommended for reclassification. In most cases these represent changes from POM-V to POM-VPS or NFA-VPS and thus fresh opportunities for AMTRA SQPs (and pharmacists) to bring the benefits of these medicines to a wider audience.

Disappointingly, for some products, there will not be a change in classification as “the MAH [Marketing Authorisation Holder] declined to accept this opportunity”. This isn’t how I believe the review was originally envisaged by Professor Sir John Marsh and the Competition Commission, who noted that companies have always had the option to seek reclassification but often chose not to, it was believed partly to avoid upsetting existing customers.

Nevertheless, this does represent a significant new set of products available to SQPs (and pharmacists), and VMD are to be thanked for eventually seeing this long process through to conclusion. The medicines in question will become available as VPS products over an extended timescale (potentially up to several years in some cases) as companies reach their next label reprint - only when the label says POM-VPS or NFA-VPS should the product be regarded as such.

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02/06/2010 by Stephen Dawson.

On 21st July 2010 Merial is running an SQP training event with a difference. Based at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, the event combines equine, companion and production animal Continuing Professional Development at one venue.

Key speakers
With the roar of lions echoing in your ears, you will be able to learn from top professionals in the field, including Professor Jacqui Matthews from Moredun Research Institute Edinburgh University, Dr David Homer from Merial Australia and Hannah Lester from Ridgeway Equine Laboratory. The event provides a great opportunity for CPD, keeping you up-to-date with changes and research in the world of equine parasitology. Following the equine session, you will be able to choose between presentations on companion animals or production animals, broadening your knowledge of these ever-changing sectors. This event qualifies for 26 AMTRA CPD points.

Go wild
Following the event, each attendee will have the opportunity to explore Whipsnade Zoo. Home to more than 2,500 animals, many of which are endangered in the wild, the zoo’s impressive 600 acre site provides a fantastic showcase for some of the most amazing animals in the world and will be a memorable afternoon to follow the technical presentations.

The agenda
9.30–10.00 Arrival and coffee
10.00–10.10 Introduction and scene setting
10.10–11.10 Latest Thinking on Equine Parasitology – Prof. Jacqui Matthews
11.10–11.50 Equine Worming Down Under – Dr David Homer
11.50–12.00 Coffee
12.00–12.45 Eqvalan WEC Campaign: The Results So Far – Hannah Lester
12.30–12.45 The Equine Market and Marketing Anthelmintics – Claire Edmunds (Merial)
12.45–13.00 Panel Questions
13.00–13.30 Lunch
13.30–15.00 Topical Flea and Tick Control or an Update on Cattle Parasitology
15.00–18.00 Free time around Whipsnade Zoo

To book your space, complete the booking form and return to Beverly Archer, Merial Animal Health, Sandringham House, Harlow Business Park, Harlow, Essex CM19 5TG.

To find out more contact Beverley Archer on 01279 775862 or email Beverley.archer@merial.com

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