This site uses only cookies strictly necessary to ensure the site works correctly.
Please read about how we use cookies.
Strictly necessary and non-essential cookies
By clicking accept all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies and to our cookie policy.
We use third-party cookies on this site.
You have accepted necessary cookies only
You can change your cookie settings at any time
Hide this message
Use BeeBase to manage your own beekeeping diary and access your NBU records and reports.
Log in to BeeBaseNew to BeeBase?
You are here: Public Pages » Medicines
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) are an executive agency of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). They promote animal health and welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of veterinary medicines and are responsible for:
• Monitoring and taking action on reports of bad effects from veterinary medicines;
• Testing for residues of veterinary medicines or illegal substances in animals and animal products;
• Assessing applications for and authorising companies to sell veterinary medicines in the UK;
• Controlling how veterinary medicines are made and distributed;
• Advising government ministers on developing veterinary medicines policy and putting it into action, and,
• Making, updating and enforcing UK legislation on veterinary medicines.
The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2013 (VMR), allow beekeepers to apply for alternative authorised Veterinary Medicine Products which are used:
•To treat a different animal species for similar diseases, or;
•Apply for an authorised medicine used to treat the same disease in the same animal species which is not available in the UK.
Any beekeeper wishing to import a product will have to apply for a Special Import Certificate (SIC) from a veterinary surgeon. Further information can be found on the VMD Cascade page addtionally from 1 January 2021 changes to the cascade explainer
Designed and hosted by:
Fera Science Ltd
York Biotech Campus, Sand Hutton, York, United Kingdom, YO41 1LZ
www.fera.co.uk