The State Council published the Provisions on Animal Pharmacy Friday, in an effort to bring the manufacturing and sales of animal drugs under better control.

The statute, signed by Premier Wen Jiabao, contains 75 articles in nine chapters.

Animal medicine will be divided into two categories -- those that have to be sold in accordance with veterinarian's prescription and others that do not need the prescription, the statute says.

The government will reserve animal medicine that will be used when there occurs any major spreading of animal diseases, according to the provisions.

The related authorities will monitor the safety of animal drugs, it says.

The statute goes into force on November 1, 2004.