THE British Association of Homeopathic Veterinary Surgeons (BAHVS) is celebrating following the announcement that veterinary homeopathy research is likely to receive a huge cash injection.

The European Parliament's Agriculture Committee (AGRI) is to vote on a draft budget of 2 million Euros (£1.7million) in order to pilot a research project and co-ordinate research on the use of homeopathy and phytotherapy on farm animals. A final decision is expected later this year.

A need for European investment in veterinary research was prompted by growing concerns of antibiotic resistance and the emergence of superbugs like MRSA and C. difficile in veterinary and human medicine. Homeopathy is commonly used to treat bacterial conditions by homeopathic vets in practice all over the world today. Four recent studies support its practical application in everyday practice.1 Phytotherapy refers to the use of therapeutic herbs (herbal medicines) in treating bacterial conditions.

Homeopathic vet and President of the BAHVS, Mark Elliott said “we are delighted with the proposal to fund further research in to the use of homeopathic and herbal medicine for farm animals.

“We need to bring these medicines into veterinary treatment regimes in an informed way to take the strain off pharmaceuticals. Antibiotic resistance is an increasingly worrying problem that is not going to go away. Homeopathy as a veterinary medical intervention has proven successful many times over the years. It is safe and used worldwide by millions of human beings too.

“Should the plans go ahead, this new funding will be very welcome and demonstrates how homeopathy has taken a huge step forward in recognition for treating ill health in farm and domestic species.”