Welcome to VMD Connect
Together with our regulatory site www.gov.uk/vmd, find out about what we are working on and the current issues that are important to us all. If you are involved in animal health and welfare – from manufacture to end user – then this site is for you.
VMR - new legislation introduced
Pharmaceuticals in the Environment cross-government group
At the VMD we are committed to understanding the potential impacts of veterinary medicines entering the environment. Discover more about this important topic and Frequently Asked Questions on our Environment page.
The Pharmaceuticals in the Environment (PiE) Group, formed in 2023, is a UK cross-government platform to enable discussion and knowledge exchange relating to pharmaceuticals in the environment from human, veterinary and, where there is cross over, agricultural and non-agricultural sources.
Membership has grown to include more organisations from across the UK government and devolved administrations.
Currently, membership includes:
- Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD)
- Environment Agency (EA)
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE)
- Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)
- Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA)
- Natural Resources Wales/Welsh Government (NRW/WG)
- Northern Ireland Environment Agency/Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (NIEA/DAERA)
- Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA)
- Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)
- NHS Highland
At our first meeting, held in April 2023, we agreed our purpose – to develop a co-ordinated strategy to reduce the impacts of pharmaceuticals on the environment (biodiversity) and human health.
We also identified our first priority area, which is to gain a better understanding of the potential sources of fipronil and imidacloprid levels detected in UK surface waters and to work towards reducing these levels.
Vet practice & supply
Product information and importing
Find the most current information about all veterinary medicines authorised in the UK. If no suitable product is available find out more about our Special Import Scheme and FAQs.
Adverse events
Vets are one of the most at risk users of veterinary medicines. Find downloadable resources about why it's important to report, what should be reported, and how to do it.
Enforcement
Our primary enforcement approach is through education. Find downloadable text to help combat prescription fraud, and how to manage and dispose of controlled drugs.
Our training centre
We offer training courses for dispensary managers and wholesale dealers. We also collaborate with other organisations in producing training courses and material.
Equine anthelmintic resistance
Equine AR is becoming more wide-spread and of greater significance. Find out more about how we are working with the equine industry.
Monthly Medicines Update
Get the latest information about new marketing authorisations and changes to existing authorisations that relate to the safe use of the product.
