‘Urgent action needed’ over supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland

By Jonathan McCambridge, PA

Urgent action is needed from the UK government over the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland to protect human and animal health, peers have said.

The British House of Lords cross-party Windsor Framework Sub-Committee has written to Northern Ireland Office minister Steve Baker following its inquiry into the potential effect of the medicines becoming unavailable or restricted.

Human medicines are covered by the Windsor Framework, the revised Brexit deal for Northern Ireland.

But veterinary medicines were not part of the deal and are instead covered by a grace period which expires on December 31st, 2025, after which EU rules apply.

The committee heard serious concerns that the loss of veterinary medicines may have consequences for public health in Northern Ireland and on the island of Ireland.

The committee said it is estimated that around a third of veterinary medicines currently used in Northern Ireland are at risk of discontinuation.

Committee chairman Lord Jay of Ewelme said: “This is an issue of vital importance which affects everyone, regardless of political hue.

“The Government has spoken of the need to make ‘rapid progress’, and we are stressing the need for a positive and swift outcome within what is a tight timescale complicated by elections in the EU and UK.

“We have set out some solutions proposed by our witnesses.

“They were united on the importance of political will in resolving this crucial issue, and the urgency in doing so, and we endorse their call for talks leading to a mutually-agreed solution between the UK and the EU as soon as possible.”

In his letter to Mr Baker, Lord Jay said industry experts had stressed to the committee the link between animal and human health.

Witnesses addressing the committee also told of the potential for “serious economic effects” on the farming and agriculture industry in the absence of a solution, with farmers potentially unable to sell their produce.

The committee said the letter underscored concerns of experts – including farmers, vets and industry representatives – that the full impact of EU rules may seriously restrict the range of veterinary medicines currently available, as well as the importation of vaccines vital for controlling disease.

It said a number of witnesses made clear that the rural economy is an “essential part of the social fabric of Northern Ireland” and anything which affects the viability of this industry may have “serious social, as well as economic, consequences”.

The committee said industry experts had stressed the link between animal and human health, particularly for food-producing animals.

Concerns were also voiced to the committee about the impact on the food supply chain – Northern Ireland supplies the UK with enough meat and dairy to feed 10 million people.

It said restrictions on the supply of veterinary products also have the potential to affect pets as well as show animals such as horses. If horses are not able to access relevant vaccinations, they could be unable to travel to competitions.

The committee has made a number of recommendations. It has asked the UK government for:

– An updated assessment of the number of veterinary medicines at risk of being discontinued;

– Its analysis of the potential economic consequences linked to a reduction in the availability of veterinary medicines;

– Whether an assessment has been made of the potential of a reduction in veterinary medicines for human health and the food supply chain in Great Britain and Ireland;

– What progress has been made in reaching a solution with the EU.

A UK government spokesperson said: “We secured a grace period, which safeguards the supply of veterinary medicines through to the end of 2025.

“We have also set up the Veterinary Medicines Working Group, which is making positive progress towards identifying the steps needed to secure supplies for the long term.

“It is due to report in the coming months.”