Vets warn of dangers if NI medicines deal not reached
“If the current grace period expires without an agreement, the potential consequences are vast and severe” – Esther Skelly-Smith.
Representatives from the veterinary sector have told a House of Lords committee that Northern Ireland is facing a “public health emergency” if a permanent deal over veterinary medicines is not agreed.
The Windsor Framework agreement between the UK and the EU allows for human medicines to be imported into Northern Ireland from Great Britain following Brexit, but does not cover veterinary medicines.
An agreed grace period is set to expire at the end of 2025. Without a new deal, Northern Ireland could lose access to an estimated 51 per cent of veterinary medicines.
Giving evidence to the House of Lords European Affairs Select Committee Windsor Framework Sub-Committee on 17 January, Esther Skelly-Smith, president of the British Veterinary Association Northern Ireland Branch, and Mark Little, the branch’s honorary secretary, warned that veterinary access to medicines for zoonotic diseases including leptospirosis and salmonella could be affected.
Imports of insulin for cats and dogs, and tetanus vaccines for horses could also be impacted.
Dr Skelly-Smith said: “If the current grace period expires without an agreement, the potential consequences are vast and severe. Northern Ireland would be left facing a very real public health emergency and serious implications for the farming industry as well as potentially devastating outcomes for the equine sector and companion animals unable to get the treatment they need.
“It’s crucial a permanent solution is found to ensure the protection of Northern Ireland’s animal and public health and the agricultural economy is able to continue.”
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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. 
