As the transition period ends, The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) has welcomed the free trade agreement between the UK and the EU.

NOAH chair Jamie Brannan said: “Most veterinary medicines available on the UK market are imported from or via the EU. The EU/GB border is a very important part of the supply chain network and the EU is a key trading partner.

“The predictable supply of animal health products to the UK needs functioning supply chains that are dependent on the Dover-Calais short straits.”

Mr Brannan added: “An EU trade agreement with practical arrangements at borders has always been a key priority for NOAH, to ensure the smooth movement of products from January 1, 2021 onwards, so we welcome the fact that theagreement has been reached.

“However, the timing so close to the deadline has left little time for the deal arrangements to be put in place and there is still the potential for delays around Kent in the immediate future, outside of the animal health industry’s control.”

He continued: “We will be looking at the detail of the arrangements, and look forward to continuing to work with Government and the authorities to help protect the nation’s animals by ensuring medicines are available, looking at the opportunities for UK agriculture in future trade agreements and working with government to ensure that the UK remains an attractive market for new animal health product innovation.”