BVA pushes for solution to Northern Ireland vet medicine access
Dr Judson warned of a serious risk to animal welfare and human health if a permanent solution is not found.
The president of the British Veterinary Association (BVA) has called for a permanent solution to Northern Ireland’s veterinary medicine supply issues, in her first major speech in the role.
Dr Anna Judson called the agreement a ‘top priority’ as Northern Ireland faces losing access to 51 per cent of the veterinary medicines that they currently receive, due to the Northern Ireland Protocol. This could see veterinary practices struggling to source much needed medicines including salmonella and leptospirosis vaccines, as well as insulin for dogs and cats.
Dr Judson praised the work of Mark Little, past president of the BVA’s Northern Ireland Branch, in securing the Windsor Framework agreement. The agreement, which was announced February 2023, safeguards Northern Ireland’s veterinary medicines supply until 2025.
However she warned of a serious risk to animal welfare and human health if a permanent solution is not found before the end of the grace period.
Dr Judson said: “It is absolutely vital that high standards of animal welfare and public health is protected. Finding a permanent solution must be a top priority ahead of the grace period expiration in 2025 to protect animal welfare and protect public health.”
Her speech, presented at the BVA’s annual Northern Ireland dinner in Stormont, also addressed the accessibility of veterinary education in the country.
Northern Ireland is the only part of the UK that does not have a dedicated veterinary school, so potential Northern Ireland veterinary students will move away to study. This can mean that many do not return after qualifying.
Dr Judson suggested that providing local and inclusive veterinary education, which breaks down economic, social and geographic barriers, may be an effective solution to an ongoing workforce shortage.
She also challenged the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1966, which she says fails to recognise roles such as veterinary nurses and veterinary technicians. She used her speech to call for support, as the BVA continues to lobby for a legislative reform of the Act to protect the veterinary nurse title.
She said: “Veterinary nurses in my practice were highly qualified, experienced and important members of my team, and I find it incredible that this title isn’t protected, and anyone can call themselves a vet nurse. This must be rectified.”
Dr Judson’s full speech can be accessed here.
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Defra has published guidance for the vet sector ahead of a proposed UK-EU Sanitary and Phytosanitary agreement.
