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AnimalHealthEurope confirms no current problems with veterinary medicine supply
AnimalHealthEurope confirmed that the European Commission has defined veterinary medicines as 'essential goods'.

Advises vets to contact company representatives as the situation evolves

AnimalHealthEurope – representative of 90 per cent of European manufacturers of animal health products – has confirmed that there are currently no supply problems for veterinary medicines, despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

In a written address to stakeholders and industry professionals, secretary general of AnimalHealthEurope Roxane Feller said: “We are pleased to confirm that the European Commission, in the updated guidelines for Green Lanes, has designated veterinary medicines as ‘essential goods', so that we can continue to ensure access to medicines for livestock farmers, veterinarians and other animal owners.”

The secretary general also stated that currently:

  • member companies report no anticipated shortages of products
  • AnimalHealthEurope’s national associations confirm that no local companies have reported any supply or manufacturing issues at this time
  • the European animal health industry does not currently foresee any supply interruptions.

However, AnimalHealthEurope advised all veterinary professionals to contact company representatives in order to determine product availability should any issues arise, and to help them identify any possible alternatives in the event of a delayed supply.

Livestock and aquaculture farmers are also advised to contact their veterinary surgeons with any concerns over the supply of animal health products.

The association added that, as the disease situation is constantly developing, there is still uncertainty around future developments regarding availability of staff, sourcing of active ingredients and its ability to continue full production, concluding: “It is therefore extremely difficult to share any prediction on the continued supply of medicines beyond the short term.”

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Reporting service for dead wild birds updated

News Story 1
 The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) has updated its online reporting service for dead wild birds.

The new version allows those reporting a dead bird to drop a pin on a map when reporting the location. It also includes a wider range of wild bird species groups to select from when describing the bird.

The online service, which helps APHA to monitor the spread of diseases such as avian influenza, can be accessed here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NI chief vet urges bluetongue vigilance

Northern Ireland's chief veterinary officer (CVO) has urged farmers to be vigilant for signs of bluetongue, after the Animal and Plant Health Agency warned there was a very high probability of further cases in Great Britain.

There have been 126 confirmed cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 in England since November 2023, with no cases reported in Northern Ireland. The movement of live ruminants from Great Britain to Northern Ireland is currently suspended.

According to the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), the virus is most likely to enter Northern Ireland through infected animals or germplasm (semen or ova) being imported.

Brian Dooher, Northern Ireland's CVO, said: "Surveillance for this disease within Northern Ireland has been increased to assist with detection at the earliest opportunity which will facilitate more effective control measures."

Farmers should report any suspicions of the disease to their private veterinary practitioner, the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or their local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.