The transition period for requiring a veterinary prescription has been extended, the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) announced today (Wednesday 23 November).

The transition period for the establishment of the obligation of a veterinary prescription to dispense antiparasitic drugs, and the introduction of compulsory electronic prescriptions was scheduled for 1 December.

An implementation date will be announced once the legislative process is finalized, the DAFM confirmed.

The extension affects the current postponement of the requirement for a veterinary prescription for pest control products and the introduction of the new National Electronic Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS).

It will remain in place until the legislative process in the Oireachtas regarding the Veterinary Drugs Medicated Feeds and Fertilizers Regulation Bill is completed.

Veterinary Medicine

The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Sea recently made 19 key recommendations to the Bill which will introduce significant changes to the regulation of veterinary medicine and the registration of fertilizers in Ireland.

The Bill will repeal the Animal Remedies Act 1993 and modernize the legislation which governs veterinary medicine and will also amend the Fertilizers, Animal Feeds and Mineral Mixtures Act 1955.

The proposed bill would also bring Ireland into line with European Union (EU) regulations.

The committee’s report highlights a number of its concerns about the new regulations bill, and MP Jackie Cahill warned that implementing the bill in its current form would have a “myriad of effects “.

“The committee is concerned about the potential lack of market competition that this bill could create with respect to the distribution of veterinary products and the possible impact of cross-border trade under different regulatory regimes.

“It is imperative that farmers are in a position where they can continue to care for the health and welfare of their animals and earn a viable living as they move towards more environmentally friendly practices. environment,” said Deputy Minister Cahill.