In meetings this week with Irish MEPs, IFA Animal Health Chairman Bert Stewart again outlined the concerns farmers have with EU proposals for the regulation of veterinary medicinal products.
He said these regulations have the potential to impact negatively on Irish farmers and their ability to ensure the health and welfare of their animals in a practical and cost-efficient way. “They will place unnecessary obstacles to the supply and availability of products such as vaccines and doses. IFA has consistently identified key areas that must be addressed to allow farmers access to competitively priced veterinary medicines” (see Note to Editor).
Bert Stewart said it is incumbent on the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and our MEPs to recognise the professionalism of farmers and their role in protecting the health and welfare of their animals. They cannot be hindered by increased costs and bureaucracy.
He said the current proposals for veterinary medicinal products fail to adequately distinguish between antibiotics and all other products, which are key health and welfare products on farms.
In the context of appropriately addressing the AMR concerns, Bert Stewart said the emphasis must be on competitive prices for key animal medicines such as vaccines and doses. Limiting access to these types of products is counterproductive to reducing the use of antibiotics.
Bert Stewart said veterinary medicinal products are an expensive and vital annual input for farmers in protecting and maintaining the health and welfare of their animals. He said it is of critical importance that access remains in a competitive market with minimal bureaucracy.
