Government urged to prioritise veterinary drug supply
"Brexit is likely to have far-reaching implications for all aspects of animal welfare" - David Bowels, RSPCA.
The RSPCA has issued a stark warning to the Government to make veterinary medicines a priority ahead of Brexit.
In a press release, the charity’s chief veterinary officer said she was concerned about the impact a no-deal Brexit could have on the supply chain of veterinary drug supplies.
She added that the lack of Isoflurane in December highlighted the sudden impact a supply interruption can have on vet’s ability to carry out treatments and the potential impact on animal health and welfare.
“Veterinary drug supply, unlike human medicine, is not being prioritised by the Government which means supplies could be stuck at ports,” she said. “Currently veterinary medicine supply in the UK is heavily reliant on imports, although exact figures are hard to come by, but ordering tends to rely on the ‘just in time’ principle.”
“Drugs require appropriate storage and temperature monitoring, so stockpiling is not necessarily straightforward. The RSPCA has contingency plans in place for a no deal Brexit to ensure animals in our care are fed and treated but disruption is possible the longer this continues.”
Assistant director of public affairs, David Bowles added: “With just weeks to go until Britain is due to leave the European Union the RSPCA is concerned we have not yet had the reassurance we need to allay our fears over animal welfare in this country.
“Brexit is likely to have far-reaching implications for all aspects of animal welfare as we have seen through the Sentience Bill and changes to the Common Agricultural Policy.
“We would now implore the government to prioritise the welfare and health of those animals most in need.”
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is inviting applications from veterinary students to attend a one-week extramural studies (EMS) placement in July 2026.
