[Legal determinations concerning narcotics which are important for the veterinarian].

In January 1998 the German legislation of narcotic drugs was subject of important changes also concerning the use of narcotic drugs in veterinary practice. The annexes I-III of the law of narcotic drugs (BtMG) containing all substances classified as narcotics were reorganized. Furthermore, the directive on the prescription of narcotic drugs (BtMVV) was changed with the aim to facilitate the prescription as well as the supply of narcotic drugs by veterinarians in their home dispensary. The directive on inland trade of narcotics (BtMBinHV) regulating the distribution of narcotic drugs from wholesalers to veterinarians remained unchanged. The following regulations of prescription or distribution of narcotic drugs by veterinarians for treated animals are described in detail: notification of participation on supply of narcotic drugs, general principles of the use of narcotic drugs, safety measurements, inactivation of narcotics, prescription for patients or for use in veterinary practice/clinics, details of prescription, supply to animal owners by the veterinarian home-dispensary, book-keeping, purchase of narcotic drugs.