All-island animal health plan is in danger, warns leading vet

THE lack of a clear Brexit plan could potentially wreak havoc on the decades of progress made on an all-island animal health plan, a leading vet has warned.

John V O’Connor, president of Veterinary Ireland, said severing of the UK ties with the EU has the potential to undo all the years of work.

“After decades of working closely with the UK and the EU to establish an all-island approach to animal health, public health, animal welfare and environmental protection, Brexit has the potential to seriously undo all this good work and jeopardise the high levels of animal health, welfare and public health across Ireland and the EU,” said Mr O’Connor as he addressed the Veterinary Ireland Conference in Kilkenny.

“The biggest challenge is establishing an animal health policy with no dilution of current standards, which suits all vets, farmers, animal owners and the Irish livestock industry.”

Minister of State Andrew Doyle said the department had been consulting on areas that will need to be addressed as the negotiations evolve.

Mr O’Connor pointed out the role of the vet was expanding all the time and ensuring public health, food safety and animal welfare needed a cross-Border approach.

“Brexit negotiators must be mindful of the risks posed to these sectors as they navigate and establish new policies for a post Brexit-era,” he said.

Concerns were also highlighted in relation to the impact it would have on the licensing and use of veterinary medicines.

Currently, European legislation regulates the way veterinary medicines are authorised and used. However, the access for the UK to the medicines could potentially be restricted or change post-Brexit.

“The UK needs to maintain a close working relationship with Ireland and the EU and, in particular the European Medicines Agency,” he said.

He pointed out the regulatory system allows companies to develop improved medicines for animal health and ensure safe global food systems.

“It is critical that these systems and practices remain in place,” added Mr O’Connor.