FVE and EMA on the Veterinary Medicine Safety Day Highlight the Importance of Reporting Suspected Adverse Events of Medicines
On the occasion of Veterinary Medicine Safety Day, the Federation of Veterinarians of Europe (FVE) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) highlight the critical importance of reporting suspected adverse events related to veterinary medicines. Veterinary pharmacovigilance plays a vital role in protecting animal health and welfare, public health, and the environment, ensuring that the benefits of veterinary medicines continue to outweigh their risks. FVE and EMA support veterinarians and animal health professionals in this key responsibility.
To mark the day, FVE and EMA are releasing a series of new tools to support and encourage adverse event reporting across Europe:
A dedicated website for veterinary professionals
A social media campaign using #VetMedSafetyDay
A Practical Simple Guide – How to report adverse events?
A presentation: Adverse event reporting in the EU
These resources encourage the reporting of any suspected adverse event in animals after using veterinary medicines, including off-label use or when a treatment or vaccine fails—even if the issue is already mentioned in the product information. They also cover adverse events in people exposed to veterinary medicines or treated animals, environmental incidents, high residues in food products, and suspected transmission of infectious agents. Reactions following the use of human medicines in animals should also be reported. Reports can be submitted either to the national competent authority or to the company responsible for the medicine. Anyone can report, and it is not necessary to confirm a direct link between the event and the medicine before doing so.
Every report contributes to EU-wide safety monitoring. This data enables authorities to take action when needed, such as updating warnings or, in rare cases, suspending or withdrawing a medicine.
FVE and EMA call on all animal health professionals to engage with the new resources and continue making a difference. Every report counts. Safer medicines, healthy animals.
