Prescription and supply – Professional reminder to all Animal Medicines Advisors / SQPs on roles and responsibilities

Stephen Dawson, 28 July 2025

Responsible prescribing is at the heart of the SQP / Animal Medicines Advisor role. It’s both a legal and a professional requirement, it’s why the qualification process is challenging and the CPD obligations are in place, and it’s how we best serve our customers in supporting animal health and welfare sustainably, and in the case of farm livestock, profitability too.

AMTRA was recently informed of a case where one of the more novel sheep wormers was promoted for use inappropriately. The situation appears to have been isolated and driven by enthusiastic sales efforts rather than a deliberate attempt to avoid the SQP Code.

In this instance, the concern was raised not by a regulator, but by a farmer - highlighting just how important trust and transparency is in the work we do every day.

While the example relates to a specific product for sheep, it’s a useful moment to pause and reflect on our professional responsibilities as Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs).

As a reminder, Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs) are required, through the SQP Code of Practice and the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, to prescribe POM-VPS medicines responsibly by determining the appropriate veterinary medicine to supply which takes into account key relevant information, and the need for responsible use of medicines. In the case of sheep and cattle anthelmintics, there is a need to follow (not just take account of) the recommendations of SCOPS or COWS.

While not yet a formal requirement, the CANTER guidance for horses, and other SCOPS and COWS guidance away from anthelmintics, is also very valuable in the broader prescribing duties of Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs).

Products must only be prescribed when genuinely required, and the choice must be based on the specific parasites to be targeted, preferably with knowledge of their resistance status, and the broader circumstances of the animals being treated, the correct quantity needed, and other factors such as appropriate shelf-life remaining on the product for the intended use period. And of course, there is now a requirement to record the reason for prescribing that particular product, a reason that should always stand up to external scrutiny.

Even when Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs) are trying to help or support businesses, professional judgement aligned to the Code of Practice is the priority. The consequences of getting it wrong goes beyond one interaction - it can affect public trust, contribute to resistance issues, and could reflect more widely on a profession that is wholeheartedly committed to responsible and appropriate prescribing.

We know the majority of Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs) take their responsibilities seriously, and we appreciate the high standards you all set. It’s important to all keep working together to protect the integrity of the profession and support responsible, informed prescribing.

AMTRA urges all Animal Medicines Advisors (SQPs) to uphold the highest standards of responsible prescribing, as the long-term health of animals, the environment, and the credibility of the profession depends on it.