The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has published its latest review of the animal health sector.

The NOAH Annual Review and outlook for 2021 looks at the major opportunities and challenges for the animal health sector and how these have been addressed through the association’s 2020-23 Strategy.

The Review also looks at what is coming up in 2021 that will affect the sector and how NOAH will be working to support its members.

It showed 2020 was a particularly challenging year for animal health businesses and NOAH – key themes were responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, the end of the EU Exit Transition Period, and the UK:EU Free Trade Agreement which will shape the UK’s future trading relationships for many years to come.

Dawn Howard, NOAH’s chief executive, said: “The complete revision of the UK Veterinary Medicines Regulation in 2021 will be a major focus of NOAH’s work in 2021. It will provide opportunities to promote the regulatory climate companies need to encourage and foster innovation in the UK.

“Our role in supporting the Government’s environmental ambitions will be important for NOAH too; this sits alongside the implementation of the Agriculture Act, and how improving animal health can help support the success of UK livestock farming, for our food and for export.”

Ms Howard continued: “As the UK moves towards new global trading relationships, we will support our members through continuing to engage around our trade policy. This will take place with an initial backdrop of uncertainty over our relationship with the EU so maintaining continuity of supply of animal medicines is paramount.

“In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the UK economy will continue to challenge us. We will work to support the veterinary profession and companion animal owners through the development of a Vision Paper for companion animal health and welfare and by continuing our work to enable more people in rented accommodation to access the benefits these animals bring.”