Veterinary medicine trafficking uncovered

An extensive operation involving the illegal trafficking of veterinary medicines was uncovered by Arnaud de Blauwe, a French official. The operation involved the unauthorized sale of medications used in livestock farming, which are strictly regulated to ensure proper use and prevent misuse.

Regulations on veterinary treatments

The prescription and dispensing of treatments used in livestock farming are tightly controlled. These regulations aim to ensure that medications are used appropriately and only when necessary, under the supervision of a qualified veterinarian.

Large-scale trafficking operation

A veterinary clinic in Dijon (21) is suspected of participating in a large-scale trafficking operation by selling veterinary medicines in large quantities at a distance. This practice violates the strict rules governing the sale and use of such medications.

Discovery through a slaughterhouse sample

The investigation began with a sample taken from a beef carcass in a slaughterhouse in 2023. The sample revealed traces of antibiotics, which are not allowed in meat products unless the animal was treated under specific conditions and given enough time to recover.

Unprecedented trafficking network

The farm from which the animal came was identified, leading to an investigation by the National Veterinary Investigations Brigade (Bnev) and the gendarmerie. The investigation uncovered an unprecedented trafficking network, with a veterinary company in Longvic, near Dijon, supplying discounted medications to farmers across France.

Regulations on medication sales

According to regulations, a veterinarian is allowed to sell medications in their clinic or without traveling under certain conditions. These include being responsible for monitoring the herd, the farmer being able to describe the symptoms, and the diseases not being too serious. A prescription is required for such sales.