A joint statement from Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) and the National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has indicated that all veterinary medicines authorised for use in the UK will continue to be authorised after Brexit and can remain on the market for sale and supply in their existing packaging.

The VMD said it has well established mechanisms for dealing with supply issues that arise from time-to-time and works closely with NOAH and its membership to inform robust intelligence-led warning systems to detect potential problems at the earliest point possible.

In order to address supply issue concerns, the VMD has enhanced its emergency response plan to support the continued supply of veterinary medicines – whatever the cause. The plan includes several levels of response and cuts across government as necessary, depending on the severity of the issue, to form a comprehensive resolution.

Veterinary medicines manufacturers and suppliers have also prepared by considering alternative logistics options, establishing appropriate stock levels and working to see that all delivery partners are ready to meet the new customs and border requirements.

The statement said: “We advise animal owners to heed the advice of the veterinary profession: to discuss the timing of any vaccinations with their vet and urge pet owners whose animals are undergoing long term treatment to seek repeat prescriptions in good time from their veterinary practice.”