The primary purpose of the Veterinary Council of New Zealand (VCNZ) is to protect the public interest by ensuring that veterinarians are competent and fit to practise.
The Veterinarians Act 2005 provides VCNZ with a number of mechanisms to achieve this purpose including setting minimum standards for practising as a veterinarian,
setting and monitoring standards for veterinary performance and promoting and encouraging high standards of professional education and conduct.
VCNZ sets standards in consultation with the public and the veterinary profession. This Code sets out the professional conduct standards the public, the
profession and VCNZ expect veterinarians to meet and to be measured against.
The work of veterinarians can take many forms. Their roles and responsibilities, whether in clinical or non clinical practice, extend beyond individual patients and clients
to include, amongst other things, food safety, public health and biosecurity. The principles of this Code are intended to be broad enough to define the expectations of
veterinarians in any area of veterinary practice.
The Veterinarians Act 2005 restricts the right to practise as a veterinarian in New Zealand to those who are appropriately qualified, are registered with VCNZ and hold
a current practising certificate. The rights conferred by veterinary registration go hand in hand with legal and professional responsibilities and are placed at risk if these
obligations are ignored or flouted.
Veterinarians must comply with all of the requirements in this Code irrespective of whether they are charging fees for the services provided, i.e. if veterinary services are
provided pro bono, this does not waive the veterinarian's obligations.
The Code has been structured around seven fundamental principles that form the basis of the professional behaviour expected of veterinarians. These principles are:
Supporting each principle is a series of statements which set out the specific expectations and a glossary with definitions of some of the terms used in the Code.
More detail on the expectations, and how veterinarians can comply with them, is provided in comprehensive explanatory notes which are embedded in the online version
of the Code. These notes, and other identified resources also provide specific examples of the Code's application.
Those seeking further clarification of the requirements are strongly advised to consult the online version of the Code and explanatory notes at
The principles and responsibilities specified in this Code have been prescribed, by notice in the New Zealand Gazette, as minimum standards for practising as a
veterinarian under Section 88 of the Veterinarians Act 2005.
All veterinarians must comply with the Code.
For those entering the profession, the Code identifies the fundamental principles of professional veterinary practice and serves as an educational tool.
For those within the profession the Code provides the basis for monitoring their own practice. The related online explanatory notes serve as an educational tool
to guide veterinarians on meeting their professional obligations.
For those outside the profession the Code provides guidance for assessing the professional conduct standards expected of veterinarians.
The Code will be used by VCNZ and its Committees as a standard by which to measure veterinarians’ professional conduct in the event of complaints and concerns being raised.
The minimum standards are identified in the Code and related explanatory notes by the use of the word ‘must’. The explanatory notes include additional advice and
recommendations to encourage veterinarians to maintain, or aspire to, high standards of professional conduct. In this case the word ‘should’ is generally used.
The overarching expectation of the Code is that veterinarians will exercise sound professional judgment in all their professional endeavours. The Code is not exhaustive.
It is accepted that there is not necessarily one right decision in every set of circumstances and that the Code cannot define how every situation must be managed.
VCNZ expects veterinarians to evaluate situations (whether in relation to a clinical matter or not), apply the principles of this Code and make competent and reasonable
decisions about the most appropriate course of action taking into account the individual circumstances and the best potential outcomes.
Veterinarians are professionally accountable for their practice, which means being personally responsible for what they do or do not do. Veterinarians are encouraged to take
advice from senior colleagues and managers, but when faced with conflicting responsibilities they must exercise their own professional judgment in deciding on the appropriate course
of action and use this Code as a basis for making that decision.
This Code is based on VCNZ’s interpretation of the professional conduct standards that the public and the profession expect all veterinarians to meet. It may need to be reviewed in
the light of any changes to these expectations or any significant issues arising from its implementation. Unless required earlier, a review will take place every three years.
Glossary
Adverse event:
is any observable or measurable negative effect in treated or exposed animal(s) that is (or is suspected to be) associated with the administration/application of a veterinary medicine or oral nutritional compound. In other words, any negative physiological or pharmacological side effect, target animal safety issue, residue issue, lack of efficacy or alleged interactions with other products or compounds should be considered an adverse event. This includes all unfavourable and unintended events (that may or may not have been identified as possible when the product was registered) that are associated with the use of the product in an on-label or off-label manner. (Ministry for Primary Industries: Adverse Event Reporting Programme for Veterinary Medicines).
Adverse event is any observable or measurable negative effect in treated or exposed animal(s) that is (or is suspected to be) associated with the administration/application of a veterinary medicine or oral nutritional compound. In other words, any negative physiological or pharmacological side effect, target animal safety issue, residue issue, lack of efficacy or alleged interactions with other products or compounds should be considered an adverse event. This includes all unfavourable and unintended events (that may or may not have been identified as possible when the product was registered) that are associated with the use of the product in an on-label or off-label manner. (Ministry for Primary Industries: Adverse Event Reporting Programme for Veterinary Medicines).
Advertise: To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words whether written, printed, spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural compound. Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health, animal welfare, or food safety status or management.
To publicise to the community or to any section of the community using any words whether written, printed, spoken, or in any electronic form, or of any pictorial representation or design or device used to promote the sale of any agricultural compound. Advertising does not include general information transfer about animal health, animal welfare, or food safety status or management.
Antibiotic: is a medicine that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth. It includes natural substances such as penicillin, semisynthetic substances such as ampicillin, and totally synthetic substances such has enrofloxacin.
Antibiotic is a medicine that kills bacteria or inhibits their growth. It includes natural substances such as penicillin, semisynthetic substances such as ampicillin, and totally synthetic substances such has enrofloxacin.
Antimicrobial: is a drug, chemical, or other substance that either kills or slows the growth of microbes. Substances considered antimicrobials include surface disinfectants, antibiotics, parasiticides, and anti-fungal and anti-viral agents.
Antimicrobial is a drug, chemical, or other substance that either kills or slows the growth of microbes. Substances considered antimicrobials include surface disinfectants, antibiotics, parasiticides, and anti-fungal and anti-viral agents.
Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s) and as a
minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Attending a veterinary emergency means to physically assess the animal(s)
and as a minimum provide relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Authorising, dispensing, recommending, selling and using veterinary medicines:
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Authorising means a veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase a particular restricted veterinary medicine to administer to a particular animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
Authorising means a veterinarian creating a documented approval allowing a client to purchase a particular restricted veterinary medicine to administer to a particular animal(s) in accordance with the instructions of the veterinarian.
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Dispensing means preparing a veterinary medicine to transfer possession to the owner or caretaker of the animal(s) to be treated. Dispensing includes transferring one or more doses of a veterinary medicine from its approved commercial packaging into adequate and appropriately labelled alternative packaging.
Dispensing means preparing a veterinary medicine to transfer possession to the owner or caretaker of the animal(s) to be treated. Dispensing includes transferring one or more doses of a veterinary medicine from its approved commercial packaging into adequate and appropriately labelled alternative packaging.
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Recommending means a veterinarian advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
Recommending means a veterinarian advising a client to use a particular veterinary medicine.
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Selling means a veterinarian offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
Offering for sale a veterinary medicine, including gifting or offering samples.
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Using means a veterinarian, and any clinic staff under their instruction, administering a veterinary medicine to any animal in their care.
This includes staff administering in accordance with the veterinarians instructions.
Using means a veterinarian, and any clinic staff under their instruction, administering a veterinary medicine to any animal in their care.
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Veterinary medicine: Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used or intended for use
in the direct management of an animal.
Any substance, mixture of substances or biological compound used
or intended for use in the direct management of an animal.
Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or notification to
any person about any animal or animal product. (In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).
Certification is the action of providing a written assurance or
notification to any person about any animal or animal product.
(In this context 'written' includes using electronic means).
A
client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation) that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.
A client of a veterinarian is a person (or organisation)
that uses or has used the professional services of that veterinarian.
Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis, prophylactic,
medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.
Clinical practice means the professional examination, diagnosis,
prophylactic, medical and/or surgical services veterinarians provide.
Clinical record A record documenting a clinical examination or client discussion, which should include the date of examination/discussion,
name of animal examined, history, clinical signs, diagnosis/provisional diagnosis, treatments and advice given, and medication or tests undertaken. The date
of the medication authorised and any tests undertaken should be included. The record should include the signalment (a description) of the animal(s). It should
be completed and maintained in accordance with the professional standards and practices as outlined in this Code.
A record documenting a clinical examination or client discussion,
which should include the date of examination/discussion, name of
animal examined, history, clinical signs, diagnosis/provisional diagnosis,
treatments and advice given, and medication or tests undertaken. The date
of the medication authorised and any tests undertaken should be included.
The record should include the signalment (a description) of the animal(s).
It should be completed and maintained in accordance with the professional
standards and practices as outlined in this Code.
Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes, communication and
judgement to the delivery of appropriate veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary
practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks required to an acceptable standard
and doing this on a consistent basis.
Competency is the application of knowledge, skills, attitudes,
communication and judgement to the delivery of appropriate
veterinary services in any particular field of veterinary
practice. Competence is demonstrated through performing the tasks
required to an acceptable standard and doing this on a consistent basis.
Compounded Veterinary Preparation (CVP) is a preparation of one or more ingredients prepared by a veterinarian (or by a person who is not a veterinarian but is under contract to and under the instruction of the veterinarian) for use on animal(s) as a veterinary medicine. This definition highlights (and is limited to) the generic actions of mixing of ingredients and using it on animals as a veterinary medicine.
Compounded Veterinary Preparation (CVP)is a preparation of one or more ingredients prepared by a veterinarian (or by a person who is not a veterinarian but is under contract to and under the instruction of the veterinarian) for use on animal(s) as a veterinary medicine. This definition highlights (and is limited to) the generic actions of mixing of ingredients and using it on animals as a veterinary medicine.
Compounding: Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals or biological compounds and others
may be trade name products) to prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal.
To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an appropriate manner for the intended purpose, but also placing
the medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than
the veterinarian who compounded it.
Combining ingredients (some of which may be generic chemicals
or biological compounds and others may be trade name products) to
prepare a medication to be supplied to a person to treat an animal.
To prepare means not only the process of combining ingredients in an
appropriate manner for the intended purpose but also placing the
medication into appropriate packaging with appropriate labelling to
allow it to be supplied to and used by a person other than the
veterinarian who compounded it.
Compounding veterinarian is a veterinarian who prepares a CVP; or under whose instruction a CVP is prepared.
Compounding veterinarian is a veterinarian who prepares a CVP; or under whose instruction a CVP is prepared.
Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or article specified or
described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or Schedule 3 of the
Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
Controlled drug means any substance, preparation, mixture, or
article specified or described in Schedule 1, Schedule 2, or
Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975.
Critically Important Antibiotics are antibiotics that are considered critically important to human health and animal health as identified by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Health Organization. For this Code, Critically Important Antibiotics include Quinolones, 3rd and 4th generation Cephalosporins and Macrolides.
Critically Important Antibiotics are antibiotics that are considered critically important to human health and animal health as identified by the World Organisation for Animal Health and the World Health Organization. For this Code, Critically Important Antibiotics include Quinolones, 3rd and 4th generation Cephalosporins and Macrolides.
Exempt veterinary medicine is a veterinary medicine that is not registered but still subject to regulatory controls under the ACVM Regulations. An example of an exempt veterinary medicine is a dog shampoo.
Exempt veterinary medicine is a veterinary medicine that is not registered but still subject to regulatory controls under the ACVM Regulations. An example of an exempt veterinary medicine is a dog shampoo.
First Line or Empirical Therapy represents the first-choice treatment where the treatment decision is based on judgement and experience of the veterinarian in the absence of a confirmed diagnosis.
First Line or Empirical Therapy represents the first-choice treatment where the treatment decision is based on judgement and experience of the veterinarian in the absence of a confirmed diagnosis.
General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian who a client
chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.
General Veterinary Practitioner is the predominant veterinarian
who a client chooses to provide the continuing and comprehensive
primary veterinary care requirements for an animal or group of animals.
Generic Chemical
is a substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller. A substance is no longer a ‘generic chemical’ and becomes a veterinary medicine once an agricultural compound use is assigned to it (that is, for treatment on animals).
Generic chemical is a substance that is offered for sale without any veterinary medicine claims being made by the manufacturer, proprietor or seller. A substance is no longer a ‘generic chemical’ and becomes a veterinary medicine once an agricultural compound use is assigned to it (that is, for treatment on animals).
Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or pharmacy-only
medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.
Human medicine refers to any medicine, prescription medicine or
pharmacy-only medicine as defined in the Medicines Act 1981.
Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer pain or distress
which is unreasonable or unnecessary.
Ill treatment of an animal means causing an animal to suffer
pain or distress which is unreasonable or unnecessary.
Immediate means taking place without delay.
Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual veterinarians
or their staff which provide a significant personal benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment decisions (including
the choice of restricted veterinary medicine) or incentivise sales. Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance
at entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans, personal items and consumables.
Inducements are gifts or rewards offered to individual
veterinarians or their staff which provide a significant personal
benefit and therefore have the potential to influence treatment
decisions (including the choice of restricted veterinary medicine)
or incentivise sales.
Examples might include but are not limited to cash, attendance at
entertainment or sporting events, travel, hospitality, loans,
personal items and consumables.
Inventory is a complete list of all RVM products and Prescription Medicines held for sale or use by a veterinary practice.
Inventory is a complete list of all RVM products and Prescription Medicines held for sale or use by a veterinary practice.
Medicine is any substance administered to a human for therapeutic purposes; also see the definition in
Section 3 of the Medicines Act 1981. Medicine is any substance administered to a human for therapeutic purposes; also see the definition in Section 3 of the Medicines Act 1981.
MPI: Ministry for Primary Industries.
MPI: Ministry for Primary Industries.
NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.
NZVA: New Zealand Veterinary Association.
Off Label Use means using a registered veterinary medicine (over the counter or restricted) product for a purpose not covered in the label instructions approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (including dose rate, route of administration, and species).
Off label use means using a registered veterinary medicine (over the counter or restricted) product for a purpose not covered in the label instructions approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (including dose rate, route of administration, and species).
Period of Supply means the duration of the validity of the veterinary authorisation for a restricted veterinary medicine.
Period of Supply means the duration of the validity of the veterinary authorisation for a restricted veterinary medicine.
Practice:
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour. The practice of veterinary science includes:
- signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
- prescribing;
- treating;
- reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained for the
BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice"
goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice
and health and welfare management.
Any aspect of veterinary endeavour.
The practice of veterinary science includes:
- signing any certificate e.g. clinical and export certificates;
- prescribing;
- treating;
- reporting or giving advice in a veterinary capacity using
the knowledge, skills, attitudes and competence initially attained
for the BVSc degree (or equivalent) and built upon through experience
and/or post-graduate and continuing professional development. "Practice"
goes wider in this context than clinical veterinary science to include
regulatory and compliance functions, teaching, consultancy, advice
and health and welfare management.
Period of Supply means the duration of the validity of the veterinary authorisation for a restricted veterinary medicine.
Period of Supply means the duration of the validity of the veterinary authorisation for a restricted veterinary medicine.
Prescription is a written instruction that contains the required information set out in section 41 of the Medicines Regulations 1984, is signed and dated by a veterinarian, and which gives details for a pharmacy to dispense a prescription medicine.
Prescription is a written instruction that contains the required information set out in section 41 of the Medicines Regulations 1984, is signed and dated by a veterinarian, and which gives details for a pharmacy to dispense a prescription medicine.
Prescription Medicine (PM) is a subset of those products identified as medicines that can only be sold under prescription. Veterinarians have an exemption under Section 27 of the Medicines Act that permits them to prescribe a PM to treat an animal under the care of that veterinarian, or under the care of another veterinarian.
Prescription Medicine (PM)is a subset of those products identified as medicines that can only be sold under prescription. Veterinarians have an exemption under Section 27 of the Medicines Act that permits them to prescribe a PM to treat an animal under the care of that veterinarian, or under the care of another veterinarian.
Referral: The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has particular skills, or who is a
registered specialist in the appropriate discipline.
The act of handing over a matter/clinical case to a person, who has
particular skills, or who is a registered specialist in the
appropriate discipline.
Restricted veterinary medicine (RVM) means a trade name product registered under section 21 of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 that is subject to conditions of registration under section 23 that restrict sale, purchase and use, and require authorisation to purchase and use.
Restricted veterinary medicine (RVM) means a trade name product registered under section 21 of the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997 that is subject to conditions of registration under section 23 that restrict sale, purchase and use, and require authorisation to purchase and use.
Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare remotely. It extends to providing veterinary services by video-link, text, instant messaging or telephone, or any other remote means.
Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare remotely. It extends to providing veterinary services by video-link, text, instant messaging or telephone, or any other remote means.
Unrestricted veterinary medicine is a veterinary medicine registered for use as a veterinary medicine under the ACVM Act where it has been determined that its risk profile is such that direct veterinary authorisation and oversight of its use is not required. Colloquially known as an ‘over the counter’ (OTC) product.
Unrestricted veterinary medicine is a veterinary medicine registered for use as a veterinary medicine under the ACVM Act where it has been determined that its risk profile is such that direct veterinary authorisation and oversight of its use is not required. Colloquially known as an ‘over the counter’ (OTC) product.
Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the Veterinary Council
of New Zealand and who holds a current practising certificate.
Veterinarian means a person who is registered with the
Veterinary Council of New Zealand and who holds a current
practising certificate.
Veterinary authorisation means an instruction from an authorising veterinarian, authorising the person specified in the authorisation to do one or more of the following:
- purchase an RVM by the person or persons specified in the authorisation
- hold an RVM in anticipation of its use by that person under the instructions of the authorising veterinarian detailed in either the authorisation or under a Veterinary Operating Instruction
- dispense an RVM by a veterinarian other than the authorising veterinarian, in accordance with the details of the authorisation, to the person or persons specified in the authorisation
- use an RVM in accordance with the instructions of the authorising veterinarian.
A veterinary authorisation may include:
- clinical case records noting that the vete
rinarian prescribed an RVM and dispensed the RVM from stocks held in their veterinary practice - letters or other documents to another person or entity providing the authorisation to them to hold an RVM in anticipation of use (such as a letter to a feed company to hold RVMs for inclusion in medicated feeds as directed by the authorising veterinarian)
- prescriptions issued by the authorising veterinarian to address an urgent need for an RVM, to be dispensed by another veterinary practice or veterinary pharmacy service with the appropriate approval.
A veterinary authorisation is considered to be the same as veterinary ‘prescription’ or ‘authorisation’. If an authorising veterinarian writes a veterinary prescription (script), this is considered to be the same as issuing a veterinary authorisation to the person dispensing it.
Veterinary authorisation means an instruction from an authorising veterinarian, authorising the person specified in the authorisation to do one or more of the following:
- purchase an RVM by the person or persons specified in the authorisation
- hold an RVM in anticipation of its use by that person under the instructions of the authorising veterinarian detailed in either the authorisation or under a Veterinary Operating Instruction
- dispense an RVM by a veterinarian other than the authorising veterinarian, in accordance with the details of the authorisation, to the person or persons specified in the authorisation
- use an RVM in accordance with the instructions of the authorising veterinarian.
A veterinary authorisation may include:
- clinical case records noting that the vete
rinarian prescribed an RVM and dispensed the RVM from stocks held in their veterinary practice - letters or other documents to another person or entity providing the authorisation to them to hold an RVM in anticipation of use (such as a letter to a feed company to hold RVMs for inclusion in medicated feeds as directed by the authorising veterinarian)
- prescriptions issued by the authorising veterinarian to address an urgent need for an RVM, to be dispensed by another veterinary practice or veterinary pharmacy service with the appropriate approval.
A veterinary authorisation is considered to be the same as veterinary ‘prescription’ or ‘authorisation’. If an authorising veterinarian writes a veterinary prescription (script), this is considered to be the same as issuing a veterinary authorisation to the person dispensing it.
Veterinary Consultation
A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
- interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client)
- collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action (including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best interests of the animal(s) and the client
- obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action
- being given, and accepting responsibility for, the ongoing health and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation. This includes arranging emergency care after considering the circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure of, the agreed course of action
- determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training so as to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can proceed as planned.
A veterinary consultation will usually involve the veterinarian seeing the animal(s) at the time of the consultation. If not, the animals must have been seen recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge of the condition/health status of the animal(s). This consultation is required in order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action.
A veterinary consultation must include the veterinarian:
- interviewing the client (or a legitimate and authorised representative of the client)
- collecting and recording sufficient information relevant to the individual circumstances to ensure the proposed course of action (including treatment) is appropriate and meets the needs and best interests of the animal(s) and the client
- obtaining appropriate consent to the proposed course of action
- being given, and accepting responsibility for, the ongoing health and welfare of the animal(s) concerned in relation to the consultation. This includes arranging emergency care after considering the circumstances and the potential for adverse effects from, or failure of, the agreed course of action
- determining and providing the appropriate level of advice and training so as to be satisfied that the agreed course of action can proceed as planned.
A veterinary consultation will usually involve the veterinarian seeing the animal(s) at the time of the consultation. If not, the animals must have been seen recently or often enough for the veterinarian to have sufficient personal knowledge of the condition/health status of the animal(s). This consultation is required in order for the veterinarian to be able to propose the particular course of action.
VCNZ: Veterinary Council of New Zealand
Veterinary Council of New Zealand
Veterinary emergency: Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an animal demanding immediate or early
veterinary treatment to save life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary pain or distress.
Any sudden, unforeseen injury, illness or complication in an
animal demanding immediate or early veterinary treatment to save
life or to provide timely relief from unreasonable or unnecessary
pain or distress.
Veterinary medicine is a compound administered directly to or on animals for one or more of the purposes listed in the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997. Veterinary medicines include registered veterinary medicines, products that are exempted from registration, prescription (human) medicines when authorised by a veterinarian, and compounded veterinary preparations. Examples of registered veterinary medicines are restricted veterinary medicines such as antibiotics and unrestricted veterinary medicines such as drenches and wormers. An example of a product exempted from registration is dog shampoo.
Veterinary medicine is a compound administered directly to or on animals for one or more of the purposes listed in the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act 1997. Veterinary medicines include registered veterinary medicines, products that are exempted from registration, prescription (human) medicines when authorised by a veterinarian, and compounded veterinary preparations. Examples of registered veterinary medicines are restricted veterinary medicines such as antibiotics and unrestricted veterinary medicines such as drenches and wormers. An example of a product exempted from registration is dog shampoo.
Veterinary Operating Instruction (VOI): is a set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian to a non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions in circumstances in which the authorising veterinarian will not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.
Veterinary Operating Instruction (VOI): is a set of instructions from an authorising veterinarian to a non-veterinarian to hold restricted veterinary medicines (RVM) in anticipation of their use, and to use RVMs only in accordance with the authorising veterinarian's instructions in circumstances in which the authorising veterinarian will not be carrying out a case-specific consultation.
