The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has clarified that vets are not permitted to diagnose, treat or prescribe a remedy in the absence of an actual physical examination of an animal.
VCI, which regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland, said it received queries from vets regarding the use of telemedicine for animals.
Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare remotely.
For example, it would cover the provision of veterinary services by video-link, text or telephone.
As technologies have improved, telemedicine’s use has increased in human medicine.
Ireland has seen medical companies offer services such as online prescriptions or the examination of symptoms and the treatment of minor ailments and injuries for people via an online consultation.
Telemedicine has been frequently suggested as part of the solution to offering services to more rural and remote areas.
However, a number of concerns have been raised that its use in veterinary medicine could affect animal health and welfare and there have been calls across Europe for better regulation.
VCI has ruled that while telemedicine may be used for triage or general non-specific advice purposes, it cannot be used to replace an on-farm call-out.
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Donegal farmer loses vet service
Veterinary Council tightens prescription guidelines
The Veterinary Council of Ireland (VCI) has clarified that vets are not permitted to diagnose, treat or prescribe a remedy in the absence of an actual physical examination of an animal.
VCI, which regulates the practice of veterinary medicine in Ireland, said it received queries from vets regarding the use of telemedicine for animals.
Telemedicine is the use of electronic communication and information technologies to provide clinical healthcare remotely.
For example, it would cover the provision of veterinary services by video-link, text or telephone.
As technologies have improved, telemedicine’s use has increased in human medicine.
Ireland has seen medical companies offer services such as online prescriptions or the examination of symptoms and the treatment of minor ailments and injuries for people via an online consultation.
Telemedicine has been frequently suggested as part of the solution to offering services to more rural and remote areas.
However, a number of concerns have been raised that its use in veterinary medicine could affect animal health and welfare and there have been calls across Europe for better regulation.
VCI has ruled that while telemedicine may be used for triage or general non-specific advice purposes, it cannot be used to replace an on-farm call-out.
Read more
Donegal farmer loses vet service
Veterinary Council tightens prescription guidelines
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