[The role of the practicing veterinarian with regard to the central theme: drugs in veterinary practice].

Alterations in agriculture have resulted in a large number of changes confronting the veterinary practitioner engaged in large animal practice. These alterations are continuing at an increased rate. Preventive medicine and herd health programmes are making steady progress and providing a powerful stimulus to veterinary practice. Compulsory post-graduate education and some degree of specialization would appear to be inescapable for practitioners. A number of laws are in slow process of formation. Standards to be imposed on drugs as well as on those dispensing and those using them are being discussed. Channelling and registration of drugs will have consequences. It is to be hoped that modern practitioners will be able to cope with these.