Veterinary Medicines SI a Missed Opportunity – IFA
IFA Animal Health Chair TJ Maher has criticised the Veterinary Medical Products Regulation SI saying that it is a missed opportunity to increase the supply base for farmers sourcing vaccines under the Prescription Only Exempt category.
The vaccines and animal medicines have always been available for farmers through veterinary pharmacies and vets without a prescription. The IFA proposed Coops and Licensed Merchants should supply farmers with animal medicines to broaden the supply and increase competition for supply to farmers. Maher said this overlooked opportunity needs to be re-evaluated and proposals should be reconsidered.
“Vaccines are key management tools for farmers and are critical in reducing the need for antibiotics and must be more competitively available to farmers. IFA has sought the removal of VAT on vaccines which would save farmers over €10m annually. The Department of Agriculture has committed to providing this in 2025 and the Minister must ensure this commitment is honoured in next month’s budget.”
The Veterinary Medical Products Regulation SI, which was signed by the Minister for Agriculture, sets out requirements for Prescription Only medications for animals. Mr. Maher acknowledged that the SI addressed concerns that only veterinarians servicing the farm would be permitted to provide prescriptions to farmers. The SI allows veterinarians to prescribe animal medicines for Licensed Merchants and Co-ops following a Proper Assessment Protocol while still prescribing for farms they are servicing as is currently in place.
TJ Maher highlighted that although the SI has been signed, it is not yet being enforced and there are several problems which need to be resolved before it can be implemented. Until this, farmers will continue to be allowed to source anti-parasitic products from Co-ops and Licensed Merchants without prescription.
