Brexit: Report highlights growing industry concerns
None of the contributors reported feeling ‘very optimistic’ about the future of the industry post-Brexit.
Ongoing uncertainty over Brexit is a source of growing concern for the animal medicines industry, a new report by NOAH suggests.
The seeming lack of government progress as we move closer to the March 2019 Brexit deadline was found to be causing grave concern.
Whilst NOAH’s latest Brexit Barometer highlighted recurring themes of uncertainty among members, there were pockets of optimism, particularly in relation to animal health and welfare. However, trade, export, public health and food production all saw a noticeable upswing in pessimism.
Key findings:
- Nearly three-quarters of participants (73 per cent) felt very or somewhat optimistic about animal health and welfare, compared to 65 per cent on a previous survey. Meanwhile, just 14 per cent said they felt very or somewhat pessimistic, compared to 21 per cent previously.
- Public health and food production saw the largest increase in negative sentiment, with nearly a third (32 per cent) now feeling very or somewhat pessimistic, compared to 17 per cent in the last barometer.
- None of the contributors reported feeling ‘very optimistic’ about the future of the industry post-Brexit. Nearly half (43 per cent) said they felt very or somewhat pessimistic.
NOAH chief executive, Dawn Howard, commented: “Increasing levels of uncertainty were a key take-out in our second Brexit Barometer report back in Winter 2017, and it is concerning to see that these are continuing to rise as we move closer to the Brexit deadline.
“We are committed to supporting our members through the difficult coming months, however we do need more clarity from Government in order to secure the best possible outcome for the animal medicines industry.
“The reality of a no-deal Brexit is looming and only with Government clarity and solutions can we achieve the outcomes that we as an industry are striving for.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
