Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines
Session 1 - Introduction to the Safe Use of Veterinary Medicines

Medicines must be used and stored correctly:

To comply with legislation (COSHH and welfare legislation).

To protect the operator and the consumer.

To ensure that the treatment is effective.

RUMA is an organization which ensures the Responsible Use of Medicines in farm animal production. The main points cover:

1. Planning and Purchase.

2. Administration of Medicines.

3. Safety.

4. Storage.

5. Disposal.

6. Record Keeping.

Plan ahead; there should be a clear animal health plan for the farm, this should cover the prevention and treatment of diseases. Risk assessments should be made to ensure that the work is done safely. Work with the vet; this will help to ensure that the correct medicines and treatments are provided.

Buy the correct amount of medicine. Medicines must be used before their expiry date. It may be illegal to sell or pass on medicines to other people. Only buy, and use, authorised medicines.

Keep proper records.

One person should be responsible for recording and giving medicines, and ensuring that withdrawal periods are observed.

Only experienced and trained people should handle and administer medicines.

Don’t give medicines unnecessarily as this can lead to resistance.

Always read and follow the instructions carefully.

Check the expiry date to ensure that the medicine will be active.

Always complete the programme of treatment.

Always follow all of the operator precautions on the label e.g. use of protective clothing. Risk assessments must be followed.

Keep a list of emergency phone numbers at hand (local doctor, hospital, vet and pharmacist).

Strictly observe all withdrawal periods This is to prevent any of the medicines entering the human food chain.

Medicines must be stored according to the instructions on the label under lock and key.

They should not be left in direct sunlight or allowed to freeze.

Medicated feeds in feed bins should be clearly labelled with the description of the feed and the expiry date.

Medicines should be kept in their original containers, and kept out of the reach of children and animals.

Store medicines separately from non-medicines.

Used needles must be disposed of safely, for example by using a sharps container.

Always follow the manufacturer’s advice regarding disposal; never put unused medicines down the drain or toilet, or throw then away with the domestic rubbish.

Chemicals such as sheep dip are potentially very hazardous to the environment; their disposal should be planned before purchase.

Records of medicines used on farms must be kept for at least three years.

If prescription medicines have been used, the records must be kept for five years.

Records must show:

The name of the animal medicine used.

The name and address of the supplier.

The date of purchase.

The date of administration.

The total quantity of medicine used.

The identity of the animal or group treated.

The number of animals treated.

To prevent residues entering the food chain, records should also include:

The dates on which any withdrawal period for slaughter, milk or other animal products.

The date that treatment finished.

The name of the person who administered the medicine.

The batch number of the product used.

If treated animals show any unintended reactions to the medicines, it must be reported to your vet or to the Suspected Adverse Reactions Surveillance Scheme at the Veterinary Medicines Directorate.

Any adverse reactions experienced by people exposed to the medicines should also be reported.