Veterinary medicine supplies in the UK are expected to “cope with demand” – even in the event of a ‘no-deal’ exit, according to officials.
In a joint statement, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) said they were “confident” that every effort had been made to ensure no disruption to supplies.
The issue has been a major concern for veterinary practitioners as the majority of veterinary medicines used in the UK (and the ingredients and components to make them) are either produced in or enter the country through the EU.
“The Government is working with animal health companies who have been carrying out extensive contingency planning for all EU Exit scenarios, including ‘no-deal’,” the joint statement read.
“These plans cover all aspects of their 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, officials added detailed planning is still ongoing to ensure supply chain measures are appropriate to meet the sector’s complex needs and priorities and therefore reduce any risk to medicine availability in the UK,
“Much work has been done by companies with the objective of ensuring fair and appropriate distribution of this inventory to avoid disruption,” the statement added.
Supply is expected to cope with a normal ordering pattern with adequate forward planning and communication with suppliers.
“With this planning in place, we are confident that we have made every effort to ensure continuity of supply of veterinary medicines in the UK.”
