The essential veterinary medicines list contains over 300 medicines and vaccines for livestock.
Brooke And WVA Renew Commitment To Essential Medicines List
6 months ago 
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Working animal charity Brooke and the World Veterinary Association (WVA) have pledged commitment to continue work on the first global list of essential veterinary medicines.
Brooke and WVA signed an agreement at the World Organisation for Animal Health's General Assembly in June 2025, renewing efforts to give vets better access to affordable, effective medicines.
The list includes over 300 medicines and vaccines for cows, sheep, goats, pigs, poultry, horses and donkeys, highlighting which medicines are the most important in keeping animals healthy.
Ensuring vets have access to essential medicines and vaccines is also critical in preventing the development of antimicrobial resistance, food safety and security and preventing the spread of infectious diseases.
Shereene Williams, Senior Manager of Global Animal Health at Brooke, said: “This list is the product of incredible global veterinary expertise, passion and commitment to improve animal health and welfare.
“It is a critical first step in ensuring that veterinarians around the world have access to the medicines they need to do their job effectively.”
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates around two billion people have no access to essential medicines, and Brooke believes this is even higher within animal populations.
In a survey by Brooke and the WVA in 2021, 80% of vets felt that challenges in accessing veterinary medicines restricted their ability to improve animal health.
Up to 75% of emerging diseases originate from animals, meaning it is vital to protect their health to safeguard human and environmental health.
Dr Olatunji Nasir, Chairman of the WVA Medicines Stewardship Working Group, said:
"Access to essential veterinary medicines is fundamental to safeguarding animal health, public health, and food security.
“This list marks a major milestone in advancing equitable veterinary care across the globe, especially in underserved regions.
“The WVA is proud to support this important initiative, which empowers veterinarians to deliver the care their patients need."
Brooke and WVA believe vets should not only be equipped with knowledge and skills, but also with the right medicines to improve animal health and welfare.
Learn more about Brooke’s work to support animal, human and environmental health.
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