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This was a controversial proposal which raised a strong response, in particular from the agricultural press and the farming community. 42 responses were received regarding this proposal.
33 consultees objected to the proposal. The agricultural press ran a campaign against the proposal and indicated that this change to the VMR would lead to a loss of revenue and consequent reduction of information passed to the farming industry. Farmers and farming organisations, individual veterinary surgeons and the pharmaceutical industry considered that the change would have a negative #303209 2
effect on farmers’ ability to maintain their knowledge and awareness of animal health and welfare issues.
9 consultees supported or partially supported the proposal. Support came from the Soil Association and various veterinary and pharmacy associations. Overall, these consultees considered that a ban on advertising of antimicrobials to farmers would be beneficial and would reduce the pressure on veterinary surgeons to prescribe antimicrobials unnecessarily.
http://www.vmd.gov.uk/Publications/Consultations/Summary_VMR_2010_consultation.pdf
