The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) said animal health and welfare should be at the heart of the new Government’s commitment to lead the world in its quality of food and agriculture
Dawn Howard, NOAH’s chief executive, said: “In order to achieve the excellence in animal health this commitment demands, our sector’s needs must be recognised as we leave the EU and negotiate our future relationship with the EU and beyond.
“Our priority is a vibrant and innovative UK animal health sector, encouraging the development of new and improved animal health products and services. The UK is in a strong position to be a global centre of excellence for animal medicines – part of any leading life sciences global hub, supporting both cutting edge product developments and a regulatory model to benefit our national and international trade.”
Ms Howard highlighted that the industry is, quite rightly, highly regulated and that all animal medicines undergo strict scientific assessment before they can be placed on the market and sold.
She added: “The EU Exit means that a robust, sensible and proportionate UK regulatory system firmly based on internationally recognised science and technical expertise, is more important than ever. Parliamentary time will be needed to allow our regulations to be reviewed and help ensure opportunities that EU Exit may present come to fruition.
“Our industry underpins so much that is valued in British society. In everything we and our members do at NOAH, we aim to improve the lives of animals through encouraging responsible farming and pet ownership and promoting the safe and responsible use of medicines.”
Ms Howard said the UK has a key role to play on the world stage in tackling the One Health challenges that face us all, but that this starts at home with the interconnection of the health and wellbeing of people, animals and the environment.
“We need a collaborative approach to tackling issues as varied as antimicrobial resistance, improving vaccination rates and improving mental health and wellbeing,” she said.
“The successful development and delivery of future UK animal health and welfare policy will require industry and Government to rise to the challenge together. The animal health sector is committed to supporting the provision of safe, healthy, affordable food for all and in enabling healthy animals to play their part in our society. We look forward to supporting the new Government towards this end.”
