Yellowhammer heightens supply fears
The majority of vet medicines used in the UK are either produced, or enter via, the EU.
According to a statement released by NOAH on 12 September in response to the Government’s publication of its Operation Yellowhammer document, the majority of veterinary medicines used in the UK – including the ingredients and components needed to make them – are either produced in, or enter via, the EU.
NOAH states: ’Our industry has been working closely with regulators, and has responded very well to concerns about supply, with detailed planning measures for all EU Exit scenarios, including no deal. These plans have involved a great deal of work and cover all aspects of supply chains from regulatory compliance and stocking levels to logistics and customs.
‘They also include, as appropriate, increasing stocks of products in the UK, changing supply routes, transferring marketing authorisations and other regulatory processes. However, in a no-deal situation there are also broader issues that could impact on availability of veterinary medicines.’
An example of this is the supply of ‘temperature-sensitive’ vaccines that have to be maintained in certain conditions. If transport is delayed and they are stuck on a lorry for hours with no power supply, those vaccines could become completely useless, and the consignment lost.
Commenting on the Government paper, Dawn Howard, NOAH chief executive, pointed out that any disruption in supplies will represent a potential risk to controlling disease and is an animal welfare issue. If preventive medicines, such as vaccines, are not available, there is a greater risk of disease in the population, including the spread of zoonotic infections.
Endorsing this position, BVA president, Simon Doherty, said: “Continued access to veterinary medicines post-Brexit is essential for safeguarding animal health and welfare, public safety and the food chain in the UK. Our concerns with regards to veterinary medicines lie with those for long-term health conditions and medicines that have a short shelf life, such as vaccines.
“While we don’t advise the stockpiling of medicines, we would advise animal owners to discuss the timing of any vaccinations with their vet. We would also urge pet owners whose animals are undergoing long-term treatment to seek repeat prescriptions in good time from their veterinary practice.”
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. 
