BVA to increase lobbying for Northern Ireland vet medicine deal
(L-R) BVA NI Branch president Sharon Verner, minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs Andrew Muir, BVA president Elizabeth Mullineaux, and host Declan McAleer MLA.
British Veterinary Association (BVA) president Elizabeth Mullineaux has said that the organisation will increase its lobbying over the long-term supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland.
An agreement between the UK and the EU needs to be reached to guarantee the supply of veterinary medicines once the current grace period finishes at the end of 2025.
If a deal is not reached, then veterinary surgeons in Northern Ireland could lose access to around half of the veterinary medicines they currently receive. Small animal, equine, and farm animal veterinary care would all be affected.
Speaking at the BVA’s annual Northern Ireland dinner, Dr Mullineaux said: “Failure to secure access to these vital veterinary medicines for Northern Ireland could have devastating implications. A new EU veterinary agreement is a chance to protect animal health, human health and food safety, not only in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland but across Europe.
“We will be increasing our lobbying efforts to ensure ministers and officials understand the scale of the issue and prioritise ensuring the supply of veterinary medicines in Northern Ireland is at the forefront of any agreement.”
Elsewhere in her speech at the event in Stormont, Dr Mullineaux spoke about the role the BVA has played in representing and supporting the veterinary profession during the ongoing investigation into the sector by the Competition and Markets Authority and the need for reform of the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966.
She also paid tribute to former RCVS president Des Thompson, who recently passed away, for his work as an advocate for the veterinary profession, especially in Northern Ireland.
The event was hosted by Declan McAleer, a member of the Northern Ireland Assembly, and included Northern Ireland’s minister of agriculture, environment and rural affairs Andrew Muir among the guests.
Dr Mullineaux’s full speech can be read here.
Image © BVA
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