The British Veterinary Association (BVA) has expressed concerns regarding potential unintended consequences arising from the Competition and Markets Authority’s (CMA) investigation into the UK veterinary services market for pets.
The BVA’s response, submitted jointly with the British Small Animal Veterinary Association (BSAVA), the Society of Practising Veterinary Surgeons (SPVS), and the Veterinary Management Group (VMG), cautions that some of the CMA’s proposed ideas could negatively impact client choice, competition, animal welfare, and the vet-client-patient relationship.
Concerns Over Client Choice and Competition
The joint response highlights several areas where the CMA’s proposed actions might inadvertently reduce client choice and competition in the veterinary sector. The BVA argues that mandating certain types of information for clients, particularly quality or outcome-related measures when selecting a veterinary practice, could be misleading. The data required for such comparisons is often unavailable or lacks statistical significance, potentially confusing pet owners rather than aiding them in making informed decisions.
The introduction of annual ‘wake-up’ letters from vet practices to registered pet owners, urging them to reconsider their choice of veterinary practice, also raises red flags for the BVA. The association believes this could undermine the vital vet-client-patient relationship, leading to fragmented care and increased risks to animal welfare due to miscommunication and incomplete medical records.
Prescription Lengths and Medication Use
Another significant concern is the CMA’s suggestion to mandate longer prescription periods without allowing vets the flexibility to use their clinical judgement. The BVA warns that this could jeopardise animal welfare, as prescription durations are typically tailored to the individual needs of each animal. Extending these periods without proper veterinary oversight could result in issues such as antimicrobial resistance, unmonitored side effects, or worsening health conditions due to delayed check-ups.
The BVA also emphasised the importance of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations, which guide vets in prescribing the most appropriate medication for animals. The association cautioned against the use of unlicensed generic medicines, which may not have undergone the same rigorous testing as licensed veterinary products. Such a shift could compromise medicine safety, a key pillar of animal health and welfare.
Veterinary Profession’s Response to CMA Proposals
Dr. Anna Judson, President of the BVA, voiced her concerns about the potential impact of the CMA’s investigation on the veterinary profession. While welcoming the scrutiny, Dr. Judson stressed the importance of ensuring that any regulatory changes do not inadvertently harm the profession’s ability to deliver effective care.
“Whilst we continue to welcome the scrutiny of the Competition and Markets Authority’s investigation, some of its proposed areas of concern and specifically some of the potential ‘remedies’ outlined in the CMA’s issues statement are worrying,” Dr. Judson stated. “Rather than ensuring clients and their pets receive the best care at a fair price, they could in fact inadvertently harm the veterinary profession’s ability to serve its clients and patients effectively, reduce client choice, and in some cases increase costs.”
The Way Forward: Continued Engagement
The BVA is urging the CMA to maintain ongoing engagement with the veterinary profession as the investigation progresses. The association believes that continued dialogue is essential to ensure that the veterinary perspective is fully considered and that any unintended consequences are addressed before new regulations are implemented. Dr. Judson highlighted the importance of this collaboration, noting that it is crucial to avoid any measures that could negatively affect animal welfare, client choice, or the overall quality of veterinary services in the UK.
“As a profession dedicated to animal health and welfare, what is perhaps most alarming is that some of the CMA’s potential ‘remedies’ could actually harm animal welfare. Clearly, these are unintended consequences, but they do highlight the importance of continued engagement between the CMA and the profession as the investigation progresses to ensure the veterinary voice is heard and unintended consequences are avoided,” Dr. Judson concluded.
