Advancing veterinary herbal medicine through collaborative learning – dissemination in MedPlants4Vet project

MedPlants4Vet is an international COST Action aimed at proposing a unified and simplified legislative procedure for herbal veterinary medicinal products in Europe. Its mission extends beyond legislative reform, encompassing a broader goal of enhancing knowledge and understanding of medicinal plants within the veterinary community. The project fosters collaboration among multidisciplinary working groups, including scientists and veterinary practitioners across Europe. A vital aspect of this initiative is the commitment to lifelong learning and professional development in this field. Initial feedback from the first of several planned training courses indicates a strong demand for further education. This response highlights the need to address knowledge gaps regarding medicinal plants’ use, safety, and regulatory aspects in veterinary practice. This work describes the need for dedicated training and information exchange as a key element to empower veterinarians and related professionals with the necessary knowledge to safely and effectively incorporate herbal medicine into their practices. The MedPlants4Vet project seeks to harmonize legislation and strives to build a knowledgeable, skilled community of professionals in veterinary phytotherapy. Ongoing education and cross-sector collaboration are essential for bridging existing knowledge gaps and advancing the field of veterinary herbal medicine. Funding : MedPlants4Vet (CA22109) is supported by COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology). Publication History Article published online: 05 March 2026 © 2026. Thieme. All rights reserved. Georg Thieme Verlag KG Oswald-Hesse-Straße 50, 70469 Stuttgart, Germany