28 March 2000
Millennium edition of Animal Medicine Record Book now available
The millennium edition of theAnimal Medicine Record Book produced by AHDA and NOAH has been launchedtoday. Endorsed by Food Safety MinisterBaroness Hayman, the book, a best seller for the last fourteen years, isdesigned to make recording animal medicine use on farms straightforward.Guidance on medicine use is given by the latest version of the MAFF Code ofPractice for the Responsible Use of Medicines on the Farm.
The use of animal medicines isstrictly controlled and record keeping is required by law. All the evidence,says the Minister in her foreword to the book, points to the fact that thevast majority of farmers know how important it is to use medicines properly andto observe withdrawal periods.
This is reflected in the fact thatin 1998 99.6% of all samples in the Veterinary Medicines Directorate residuesurveillance programme were free of detectable veterinary residues.
The responsible use of animal medicinesleads to healthy food being produced from healthy animals. The record book,says the Minister, will continue to make a vital contribution to ensuring thatthe food produced in the UK continues to be regarded by consumers around theworld as of the highest quality and free from potentially harmful residues ofveterinary medicines.
The book is available, price 3.50including VAT and post & packaging, with discounts for bulk orders of 50 ormore, from AHDA, Gable Court, 8 Parsons Hill, Hollesley, Woodbridge, SuffolkIP12 3RB.
Ends
Notes for Editors
1. For further informationcontact NOAH or AHDA. NOAH can becontacted on 020 8367 3131, e-mail noah@noah.co.ukor visit the NOAH website www.noah.co.uk.AHDA can be contacted on 01394 410444,e-mail info@ahda.org.uk orvisit the AHDA website www.ahda.org.uk.
2. TheNational Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent theUK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animalhealth products. The association has 36 corporate members and 12 associatemembers. In 1998 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the 384 million UKanimal health market, with additional valuable exports.
3. TheAnimal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) was established on 5 August 1985and is an association of responsible animal health product distributors,dedicated to serving the best interests of its members; in particular byprotecting their rights to sell and supply, and securing the continuedavailability of, a wide range of non-prescription animal medicines. The association also strives to secure thecontinued availability of such medicines for its members by constantnegotiation with manufacturers, government and the European Union.
4. TheMAFF Code of Practice for the Responsible Use of Animal Medicines on Farms waslaunched in April 1999. It was endorsed by 22 veterinary and farmingorganisations, including AHDA and NOAH.