VMD Guidance on the supply of Trimediazine alternatives to feed mills
2023-0028
AIC has been informed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) of potential limited supply of Trimediazine for incorporation into animal feed following the ceasing of production of UK licensed products.
The VMD is aware of the potential for animal welfare issues to arise as a result of this and has provided the following guidance on their approach to authorising the import of non-UK licensed products.
VMD guidance
Vetoquinol recently ceased manufacture of Trimediazine 15% Premix for Medicated Feeding Stuff (Vm 08007/4023) and Trimediazine BMP Premix for Medicated Feeding Stuff (Vm 08007/4064).
As a result the VMD has received a number of enquiries and applications from veterinary surgeons on the import of non-UK licensed in-feed premixes.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations (VMR) allows for a veterinary surgeon to import a non-UK licensed veterinary medicinal product under the Special Import Scheme (SIS), if they can provide a clinical justification for the product.
The product can then be imported directly or purchased from a wholesale dealer. Both importation and supply must be in accordance with a valid VMD issued import certificate.
The SIS does not allow manufacturers of medicated feeds to import and use non-UK licensed veterinary medicinal products, or premixes.
However, the VMD is aware that the withdrawal of Trimediazine may cause issues for some pig units and a method to allow manufacture of feeds using non-UK licensed product has been agreed.
The following procedure must be followed to ensure that importation, manufacture and supply are in accordance with the VMR.
Wholesale Dealers
- Supply of a non-UK in-feed premix must only occur to an address stated on the Special Import Certificate (SIC)
- If the feed mill/manufacturer is named on the front page of the SIC then supply and delivery can be made directly to the mill/manufacturer
- If the feed mill is not named on the SIC then supply and delivery must only be to the veterinary practice
- A WDIC will be required as normal if the wholesale dealer wishes to stock the product
Any queries or questions should be directed to [email protected] or call 07796 301560.
Authors
Simon Williams
Simon Williams is Technical Manager for AIC Services. He is based at AIC Head Office, Peterborough and is responsible for the management and coordination of the FEMAS and UFAS assurance schemes as well as being the key contact for mutual recognition with European scheme owners and managing Earned Recognition relationships with UK feed and food competent authorities.
