6 July2000

Updated version of animal medicine promotion code published

The ninth edition of the NOAH Codeof Practice for the Promotion of Animal Medicines is now available. This updated version has been revised totake into account the establishment of the examination for General Sales Listsales staff, run by the Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority (AMTRA)and confirms that all company promotional mailing lists, not just those for theveterinary and pharmaceutical professions, should be kept up to date.

The Code of Practice regulates thecontents and quality of advertisements, leaflets and promotional activities foranimal medicines. It was established in1974 and since then it has been kept under review and updated.

This way, the industry ensures thatthose involved with using animal medicines, be they veterinary surgeons, animalhealth distributors, farmers or pet owners, receive the correct informationthey need about these products.

All NOAH membership must complywith the Code (as must non-members who appear in the Data SheetCompendium). It is administered by acommittee of 15, with an independent QC as chairman and includes veterinarianand farmer members as well as elected industry representatives.

Copies of the revised code are available,free of charge, from Kleo Kyriacou, telephone 020 8367 3131, at the NOAHoffice.

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Notes for editors

1. For further informationcontact Roger Cook on 020 8367 3131, or e-mail noah@noah.co.uk or visit the NOAH website www.noah.co.uk.

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2. The National Office ofAnimal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies thatresearch, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association represents 35 corporate members and 12associate members companies which in 1999accounted for around 95% of the 371 million UK animal health market.

3. The Code of Practice forthe Promotion of Animal Medicines has been drawn up in consultation with theBritish Veterinary Association and the Royal College of VeterinarySurgeons. It originally owes itscreation to the determination of the Association of the British PharmaceuticalIndustry (of which NOAH, prior to incorporation, formed part) to secure theuniversal acceptance and adoption of high standards of conduct in the marketingof animal medicines.

4. The Code of PracticeCommittee is independently chaired by David Kitchin QC. Its members are set out below:-

MR J P ALLEN INDEPENDENTFARMING MEMBER

MR SAM BLACK LEO ANIMAL HEALTH

MR JIM BRODIE INDEPENDENTVETERINARY MEMBER

MR B L CLARK VIRBAC LTD

MR PETER COE PFIZER ANIMALHEALTH

MR ALAN HENDERSON BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM

MR BRIAN HOSKIN VETOQUINOL UK LTD

MR NEIL MACDONALD ANIMALCARE LTD

MR BILL MADDERS INDEPENDENT FARMING MEMBER

MR GERRY MCELVOGUE NORBROOK LABORATORIES

MR JOHN McNALLY INTERVET UK LTD

DR BRIAN SHEARD HORSERACING FORENSICLABORATORY

MR R R COOK DIRECTOR, NOAH

MR D C F HUTCHINSON SECRETARY, CODE OF PRACTICECOMMITTEE

MS S WELLS ASSISTANTSECRETARY, CODE OF PRACTICE COMMITTEE

5. The latest (Ninth) edition of the Code ofPractice booklet is available from the NOAH office (telephone: 020 8367 3131) upon request.

6. Through the provision of training and relatedprofessional services for those involved in the distribution and marketing ofanimal health products, AMTRA seeks to ensure that in the UK animal medicinesare sold, supplied and marketed in a responsible manner by appropriatelyqualified persons. AMTRA maintainsRegisters of AMTRA qualified persons and through the disciplinaryresponsibilities of its Ethics Committee ensures that those on the Registersconform with the relevant law and if applicable with the AMTRA Code of GoodPractice.