Should anthelmintics be restricted to POM-V classification?

On 31st January 2013 the British Veterinary Association (BVA) released a statement calling on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to restrict all anthelmintics to become Prescription Only Medicines (POM-V). Is this a justified statement, or a reflection of one aspect of the animal industry being out of touch with current working practices in another?

There is a serious rising problem in anthelmintics resistance in grazing animals across Europe as a whole, including those countries where these medications are currently only available through vet-only channels.

When anthelmintics are prescribed (either POMV, POM-VPS, NFA-VPS) the prescriber needs to demonstrate that the animal(s) is in their care, that the owner is competent in the administration of the medications, and that there is a requirement based on clinical diagnosis that the medication is required. The prescriber doesn't need to be present when the medication is dispensed, as long as the prescriber is happy that the person dispensing the medication is competent, and that they have checked the medication has been labelled appropriately before dispensing. In veterinary practice it is very unlikely that the veterinary surgeon will be dispensing the anthelmintics directly to the farmer, it does tend to be veterinary nurses, receptionists or in some cases SQPs (suitably qualified person) employed by the practice. I am personally in a fairly unique position; I have worked in large animal practice, I am a veterinary nurse and a SQP, and I regularly ‘see practice’ in an agricultural retailer. I am always envious of the amount of time that the SQPs in the agricultural retailers have to talk to farmers. Not just about parasite control, but advice on how to correctly weigh their animals, which is the best product for their animals and on discussing new ideas on general husbandry and health care. SQPs prove to be an important contact point for advice for farmers.