News Release

AASRP urges action on MUMS legislation 

The American Association of Small Ruminant Practitioners (AASRP) is urging members of Congress to act on proposed legislation that would encourage development of drugs to be authorized by the Food and Drug Administration for less common animal species and indications.

"On behalf of our organization's members and the animals we care for, we request that you support the amendment to the Animal Drug User Fee Act (ADUFAP) of 2002 that includes language from the Minor Use and Minor Species (MUMS) Animal Health Act of 2001," stated Dr. Richard Stobaeus, Jr., AASRP president, in a November 7^th letter to key congressional members.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) is marshaling support for passage of the MUMS Act during the final days of the 107^th Congress.

Stobaeus points out that, with the current critical shortage of approved animal drugs for these uses, veterinarians and animal owners have very limited options for treating minor species or uncommon conditions.  "Lack of approved therapies results in animal suffering and death, and potentially increases public health risks," he said.

The amendment will:

• Create a program similar to the human Orphan Drug Program to increase the availability of drugs to treat rare animal diseases and minor species;

• Provide oversight and control of these drugs by the Food and Drug Administration;

• Create incentives for animal drug manufacturers to obtain FDA-drug marketing authorization; and,

• Alleviate the shortage of approved drugs while maintaining and ensuring protection of the public health.

AASRP's mission is to improve the health and welfare of sheep, goats, cervids and camelids, to further the professional development of the members, provide resources to elevate the standards of small ruminant practice and to be the voice for small ruminant issues.  AASRP represents over 1,000 veterinarians throughout the United States and abroad.

#