Minister confirms extension to date for up regulation of antiparasitics for food producing animals
- Foilsithe: 7 Bealtaine 2025
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 7 Bealtaine 2025
The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, today announced an extension to the transition period for the up regulation of antiparasitics to prescription only medicines until 1 September 2025.
From 1 September, a veterinary prescription will be required for all antiparasitic veterinary medicinal products for food producing animals. The implementation date has been moved to acknowledge the significant change required in moving to digital prescribing for both prescribers and retailers of veterinary medicines, and also farmers.
Digital prescribing via the National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) was introduced on 13 January for the prescribing and dispensing of all prescription only veterinary medicines. The Minister noted that although there has been significant engagement with NVPS since January, greater engagement is needed in the intervening period to support a smooth transition and maintenance of current supply chains.
Announcing the extension, Minister Heydon stated:
“I am conscious that this is a marked change to the regulation of antiparasitics. It is, however, necessary to address the increasing challenge of antiparasitic resistance, and evidence-based prescribing will support farm productivity and food security into the future. I am aware that this initiative requires some adjustment by supply chain operators, and I want to give them the time and space to make these necessary adjustments.”
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.