The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the UK Government’s publication of its policy paper ‘Protecting Animal Health: The Government’s Approach to Veterinary Medicines in Northern Ireland’, describing it as an important step in safeguarding the long-term availability of veterinary medicines across the UK.
Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, said: “We are pleased to see the Government giving priority to the issue of veterinary medicine access in Northern Ireland and recognition of the level engagement and hard work that the animal health industry has put into this issue.
“Veterinary medicines are essential for protecting the health and welfare of animals, supporting pet owners, ensuring the safety of our food chain, and maintaining the livelihoods of farmers. This policy paper is an important milestone and a clear acknowledgement of the need for a long-term, sustainable solution.”
NOAH has consistently highlighted the risk that regulatory divergence between Great Britain and Northern Ireland could lead to reduced availability of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland, with a significant number of authorised products potentially at risk of withdrawal due to the arrangements that will come into effect at the end of 2025.
Mrs Howard added: “We welcome the Government’s continued engagement with stakeholders, its commitment to finding a resolution and the introduction of the Veterinary Medicines Health Situation, and Internal Market Schemes as measures for vets to use to access essential veterinary medicinal products, where such shortages may arise.
“However, we reiterate that the most effective and enduring solution remains a comprehensive UK-EU veterinary medicines agreement. Such an agreement would provide clarity and confidence to manufacturers and distributors, helping to ensure continued supply and investment in the sector.
“Time is of the essence. NOAH stands ready to work with the Government and the EU to help make a veterinary medicines agreement a reality. The health and welfare of animals, and the resilience of our agri-food system, depend on it.”
NOAH said it urges the UK and EU to return to the negotiating table to deliver a pragmatic, veterinary medicines agreement that recognises shared interests in animal health, food production, and trade.
