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The health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed the unique need for telemedicine. A decree by the Ministry of Agriculture and Food, published in the Official Gazette on May 6, authorizes veterinarians in France to carry out remote consultations and use digital tools for the first time.
Unlike human medicine, veterinary medicine has not previously had a regulatory framework that would allow telemedicine practices.
The authorization will have an 18-month probationary period and will allow veterinarians, especially those located in rural areas, to ensure that animals are closely monitored while avoiding certain travel. This decree does not in any way replace the obligation to continue care and to carry out visits and clinical examinations of animals to supply veterinary medicine products.
The National Veterinary Council will be responsible for monitoring the pilot phase, in conjunction with the Ministry of Agriculture and in consultation with veterinary and agricultural professional organizations.
An evaluation report will be drawn up by the end of 2021 with the veterinary and agricultural professionals.
Décret n° 2020-526 du 5 mai 2020 relatif à l'expérimentation de la télémédecine par les vétérinaires
May 6, 2020/ Ministère de l'Agriculture et de l'Alimentation/ France.
https://agriculture.gouv.fr
