Immunotherapy and the VMD

NationWide Laboratories (NWL) can assist in providing allergen specific immunotherapy (ASIT) based on the results of serological testing.

The allergen extracts which are used are sourced from Europe because there are no licensed veterinary immunotherapy products currently available in the UK. The importation of these extracts must follow strict guidelines as detailed in the Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2005. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), as the national Competent Authority, implement these regulations.

For products licensed in Europe and imported from within the EU, this involves applying for a Special Treatment Certificate (STC).

The holder of the STC, must be a veterinary surgeon and is normally the individual veterinarian who is caring for the animal concerned. It is their responsibility to ensure that the conditions of the certificate are upheld.

The STC is valid for up to 12 months and must be renewed if you wish to continue importing immunotherapy thereafter.

Details of the import scheme can be found on the VMD website.

How to apply for a STC

At NWL we will generate a "Special Treatment Certificate" application form when serological testing detects significant levels of IgE to appropriate environmental allergens. The application form will be forwarded to you along with a copy of the results for yourself and your client.

We will complete certain sections of the form on your behalf. Sections which you must complete are as follows:

Section I: part 3 and part 6 – RCVS number of the Veterinary Surgeon who will be the certificate holder.
Section I: part 5 – VMD Vet Practice Number (if known)
Section II: part 11 – Previous SIC/STC reference number (please contact NWL Client Services Dept. if you have difficulty locating this number)
Section II: part 16 – Owners Address
Section II: part 14 – Weight of the Animal (if known)
Section IV: – Declaration, sign, date and provide status within the veterinary practice.

Section IV (Declaration) must be signed and dated before the application is sent to the VMD.

It is the applicant/certificate holder's responsibility to ensure that all details are complete and accurate. Incomplete or illegible forms will be returned by the VMD.

The VMD make a charge for this service, you will be invoiced soon after receipt of the application.

Please do not send any payment with the application.

On receipt of a valid postal application, the VMD will usually issue a certificate within ten working days. If you require an urgent response please explain your reasons in a covering letter.

How to order Immunotherapy through NWL

We issue two application forms for Immunotherapy, one for "Initial Treatment" another for "Maintenance Treatment". When you receive your STC please sign the appropriate immunotherapy application form and FAX to NWL (Fax: 01253 891934), along with a copy of the first sheet of the STC. You should receive your order within 3–4 weeks.

The importation and use of an unlicensed medicinal product is illegal without a valid STC; unfortunately we will be unable to process orders for immunotherapy without a copy of this certificate.

allervet® is offered to you exclusively in the UK by NationWide Laboratories, leaders in Veterinary Clinical Pathology.