03 November 2017
BVA's longstanding position has been that we cannot endorse the use of any products making therapeutic claims that don't have a proven evidence base
The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) Council has approved a new position statement on the veterinary use of complementary and alternative medicines, including homeopathy.
According to the statement, homeopathy ‘exists without a recognised body of evidence for its use' and is not based on sound scientific principles.
The RCVS has called for homeopathy, and any similar treatments, to be regarded as ‘complementary rather than alternative to treatments for which there is a recognised evidence base or which are based in sound scientific principles'.
Responding to the announcement, British Veterinary Association Senior Vice President Gudrun Ravetz said:
“Veterinary medicine is grounded in scientific evidence, which is why our longstanding position has been that we cannot endorse the use of homeopathic remedies, or any other products making therapeutic claims, that don't have a proven evidence base. As vets, animal welfare is our top priority, and complementary and alternative treatments that are not based on sound scientific principles or evidence could have detrimental consequences for animal health and welfare.
“RCVS's statement firmly places homeopathy and other non-evidence-based treatments as complementary rather than alternative therapies, to be used alongside treatments with proven scientific bases, and we will be updating our position in consultation with BVA Policy Committee.”
