Part-time & Short Courses

The aim of AMTRA (Animal Medicines Training Regulatory Authority) Merchants Courses is to equip those who qualify to be eligible for inclusion on the AMTRA Register of Suitably Qualified Persons and to undertake responsibility for registered premises. The course provides an understanding of animal husbandry, including the causes and control of diseases in farm livestock, horses, cats and dogs.  A knowledge of the law relating to the sale and supply of licensed animal medicines and the principles of good merchandising practice.  

Course Content

Animals:
Basic anatomy and physiology, with particular reference to digestion, respiration and reproduction.

Husbandry Systems:
Outline of the principal production systems and the terminology used in the livestock industry.

Factors conductive to efficient production:
Environmental, ventilation, temperature, hygiene, general health and welfare.

Diseases:
The principal causes and effects, including:
micro-organisms, endoparasites, ectoparasites, nutritional deficiencies, injury

Principle means of prevention, treatment and control:
Vaccines and anti-sera, actimicrobials, anthelmintics, insecticides/dips, trace element and mineral supplementation, notifiable diseases.

Products:
The main categories of PML and GSL medicines and their purposes. Other related products normally available from agricultural distributors. Essential information about animal health products, particularly that on labels including: Dose, quantity and frequency, method of administration or application, withholding or withdrawal times for meat, milk and eggs, contra-indications and warnings, storage requirements, safe disposal and use.

Legal requirement:
The requirements of the AMTRA Code of Good Practice for the Sale and Supply Animal Medicines, and the Medicines (Exemption for Merchants in Veterinary Drugs) Order 1998.  

Other Legislation and Regulations covered include:
The Health and Safety at Work Act 1966, the Diseases of Animals Acts and the Poisons Rules, including the most recent Regulations based on these acts; also included are the definitions of Suspected Adverse Reactions and the responsibility to report them.  The role and responsibilities of some industry organisations including AMTRA, RPSGB, VMD, HSE, NOAH are explained.  

Entry Requirements:
Applicants must be sixteen years of age or older

For more information and to make a booking please contact shortcourses@bicton.ac.uk or call 01395562347