Global list of essential veterinary medicines for food-producing animals in need of rabbit and poultry specialists

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The World Veterinary Association (WVA) is seeking experts on rabbits and poultry for the Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML).¹ The EVML is the world’s first global list of essential veterinary medicines for food-producing animals, with nearly 300 medicines across 11 categories that include antimicrobials, vaccines, hormone therapies, and metabolic agents.^1,2

The EVML aims to enhance access to safe and effective medicines and vaccines for veterinarians globally. It will serve as not only a framework for countries to create their own customized lists, but as a tool for addressing the global challenge of antimicrobial resistance.² It will also aid in the development of preparedness plans for pandemic prevention of zoonotic diseases like avian influenza and COVID-19, according to a news release.²

“This list is the product of global veterinary expertise and collaboration and is a critical first step in ensuring all animals around the globe have access to medicines and vaccines to keep them healthy and minimize their pain and suffering,” Shereene Williams, senior manager of global animal health at Brooke—a global equine and donkey charity—said in an organizational release.²

According to Brooke, it is estimated by the World Health Organization that approximately 2 billion people lack access to fundamental medicines, and it is believed that even more animals do not have access essential medicines.² Moreover, a survey conducted by the creators of the EVML found that 80% of veterinarians said that challenges in accessing veterinary medicines limit their capacity to address animal health and welfare.²

Developed by the WVA, Brooke, and various species specialists who aim to advance animal health, the EVML is comprised of “core medicines” and vaccines chosen by expert groups based on their relevance, effectiveness, and cost-efficiency.^1,2 Phase 1 of the initiative addressed the essential medicinal needs of equids, large ruminants, pigs, goats, and sheep. Phase 2, which is currently ongoing and seeking specialists, concentrates on poultry and rabbits, and Phase 3 will expand to include aquaculture and bees. Although the lists are tailored to specific species, a central multispecies list was created to assist veterinarians in treating a range of animals.^1,2

With Phase 2 currently in expansion, the WVA is seeking specialists in rabbits and poultry to help in the list’s review process. According to the organization, the role includes reviewing and providing feedback on draft lists of essential medicines for these animals, with a time commitment of a few hours fulfilled electronically. Moreover, reviewers will be recognized in relevant EVML materials, according to the WVA.¹

“The EVML will help veterinarians and authorities in making better choices of medicines, biologics and vaccines supply, fitting to local needs,” veterinarian Olatunji Nasir, pharmaceutical stewardship working group chair of the WVA, said in a news release.² “As veterinarians, we are gatekeepers of the next pandemic because of the profound roles we play in the control of zoonoses. This is a responsibility that we share with authorities and agencies in our various jurisdictions. Together, we stamp our feet in the one-health pathway.”

Specialists in poultry and rabbits can reach out to the WVA at secretariat@worldvet.org and provide their curriculum vitae along with a short statement of motivation. Given the EVML is an open, collaborative, and free resource, the WVA welcomes participation from the wider veterinary and scientific communities, according to the organization.¹

References

1. Call for experts on rabbits and poultry for the Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML). News release. World Veterinary Association. July 29, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://worldvet.org/news/call-for-experts-on-rabbits-and-poultry-for-the-essential-veterinary-medicines-list-evml/
2. WVA and Brooke launch world’s first Essential Veterinary Medicines List (EVML) for food producing animals. News release. Brooke Action for Working Horses and Donkeys. March 18, 2024. Accessed July 30, 2024. https://www.thebrooke.org/news/wva-and-brooke-launch-worlds-first-essential-veterinary-medicines-list-evml-food-producing#navigation