How farm SQPs play a key role in the responsible use of animal medicines

Farming SQPs, animal medicines advisors who are qualified to prescribe and supply certain categories of veterinary medicines, sit at one of the most important intersections in modern agriculture: the point where animal health, public health, and sustainable food production meet. Their role is not simply transactional. It is a professional responsibility built on regulation, training, and a commitment to safeguarding the long-term future of effective medicines.

A profession built on regulation and expertise

AMTRA, the UK’s largest leading regulator of animal medicines advisors, describes SQPs as professionals who “are trained to prescribe and supply certain veterinary medicines, acting professionally, following the rules of the Regulations and the SQP Code of Practice”. This is not a casual responsibility. Farming SQPs must complete rigorous training at Level 5, equivalent to higher-education study, before they are permitted to advise on and supply VPS farm-animal medicines. This ensures that every SQP working with livestock understands:

• Biosecurity and husbandry to prevent disease
• medicine classifications
• withdrawal periods and food safety
• antimicrobial stewardship
• welfare legislation and good husbandry

This knowledge base is essential for responsible medicine use, especially in a sector where misuse can have consequences far beyond the farm gate.

Protecting animal health, welfare and the environment

Healthy animals are the foundation of productive farming and responsible medicine use is both vital to protect efficacy and to minimise any impacts on the environment. SQPs play a direct role in all these areas by ensuring that medicines are used:

• only when appropriate,
• in the correct dosage,
• for the right species and condition, and
• in line with legal and welfare requirements.

AMTRA highlights that SQPs “contribute to animal health, for farm productivity and, farm profitability”. This is because advice at the right time alongside responsible medicine use prevents disease outbreaks, protects animal wellbeing, and supports efficient, sustainable production.

Safeguarding the future of veterinary medicines

Some of the most pressing global challenges include antimicrobial resistance (AMR) which includes parasiticide resistance. 

When considering parasite control for example, parasitic burdens undermine health, welfare, productivity, and profitability, but the medicines used to control them must be handled with sound advice and long-term stewardship in mind.

This is why parasiticide specific training for livestock SQPs is not just useful; it is essential. SQPs are often the first point of contact for farmers seeking support. Their advice directly influences farmer decision making, animal health, farm economics, and the future effectiveness of these medicines.

Ensuring compliance with regulations

The supply of veterinary medicines is well regulated in the UK by the VMD. An SQP is permitted to prescribe and/or supply the categories of product that fall within the scope of the qualification they have obtained and the registration they hold.

The range of veterinary medicines available falls within the following distribution classifications:

• POM-VPS (Prescription Only Medicine – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP)
• NFA-VPS (Non-Food Animal – Veterinarian, Pharmacist, SQP)
• AVM-GSL (Authorised Veterinary Medicine – General Sales List)

Supporting farm productivity and sustainability

Good animal health is inseparable from good farm economics. SQPs are useufl source of sound advice that help farmers make informed decisions to improve productivity.

This includes advising on:

• parasite control strategies
• a subset of vaccines in vaccination programmes
• nutrition and husbandry practices
• certain seasonal disease risks
• responsible medicine planning

In a recent AMTRA industry survey, it was found that the SQP role is “highly valued and recognised as having a positive impact on animal health and welfare across a broad spectrum of stakeholders”. This recognition reflects the real-world impact SQPs have on the resilience and sustainability of UK farming.

Providing accessible, trusted advice across the sector

AMTRA has around 6,000 registered SQPs in the UK which means farmers have widespread access to trained professionals who understand both the science and the practical realities of livestock production.

SQPs often work in:

• agricultural merchants
• feed and equipment suppliers
• pet shops
• veterinary practices
• on-farm advisory roles

This accessibility means farmers can get timely, practical guidance, something especially important during busy seasons or emerging disease challenges.

A profession committed to continuous development

Responsible medicine use is not static. New diseases emerge, resistance patterns shift, and regulations evolve. AMTRA supports SQPs with ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development), offering modules “relevant to all classes of SQP” with immediate feedback and points added to their record.

This ensures that farming SQPs stay up to date with:

• new products
• updated legislation
• best-practice guidelines
• emerging scientific evidence

Continuous learning is a cornerstone of responsible medicine stewardship.

In summary:

The role of farming SQPs is far more than supplying medicines. They are:

• advisors
• regulators
• educators
• stewards of animal health
• protectors of public health
• partners in sustainable farming

Their expertise ensures that advice forms the cornerstone of medicine use ensuring that medicines are used responsibly, effectively, and legally, protecting animals and their owners today and preserving vital treatments for the future.

In a world where the pressures on agriculture are increasing, the contribution of SQPs has never been more important. National SQP Week first launched in June 2026 and AMTRA’s ongoing work, highlights a truth the farming sector already knows well: responsible medicine use starts with knowledgeable, trusted professionals and collaboration across all roles in the industry to draw on the combined expertise of those professionals in order to achieve the best animal welfare outcomes possible.