Minister announces further extension to date for up regulation of antiparasitics for food producing animals
- Published on: 21 July 2025
- Last updated on: 22 July 2025
Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, today announced a further and definitive extension to the transition period for the up regulation of antiparasitics to prescription only medicines (POM) until 1 December 2025.
This adjustment reflects the Minister’s continued support for stakeholders in completing the transition to digital prescribing through the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS), and ensuring alignment across the prescribing and supply chain network.
Digital prescribing via the NVPS was introduced on 13 January for the prescribing and dispensing of all prescription-only veterinary medicines. The requirement to move to digital prescribing is a significant change for veterinary practitioners, retailers and farmers. While engagement with NVPS continues to grow, the Minister recognises the importance of allowing further time for prescribers, suppliers, and farmers to consolidate processes and adapt fully to the system’s requirements. This final adjustment to the implementation timeline provides a clear and defined window for all stakeholders to complete preparations and ensure greater engagement with the National Veterinary Prescription System and full compliance with the new Veterinary Medicines regulatory requirements.
Announcing the extension, Minister Heydon stated:
“Upregulation of antiparsitics is essential to address the growing challenge of antiparasitic resistance and to protect the long-term sustainability of our food production systems. It marks an important shift in how antiparasitics are prescribed and managed, and I want to ensure that all parties have sufficient clarity and opportunity to adapt.
“I commend the progress made so far, and I urge all stakeholders to use the coming months to complete their preparations. Continued collaboration and commitment will be crucial to ensuring that the transition is fully achieved by 1 December.”
Notes
Antiparasitics are prescription-only medicines in all other Member States. A 2019 report from Health Products Regulatory Authority outlined the requirement for the up regulation of antiparasitics to prescription-only medicines due to evidence of antiparasitic resistance. Antiparasitics resistance is a significant threat to animal health and welfare and overall farm productivity and profitability. The up regulation will support more appropriate use of these medicines.