Stakeholders have welcomed the publication of the Government response to the consultation on the new GB Veterinary Medicines Regulations and look forward to this vital piece of legislation being adopted.

The UK animal health industry needs a robust, up-to-date regulatory process to produce the veterinary medicines necessary to protect and improve animal health and welfare in the UK.

This not only benefits animals, but also helps to protect human and environmental health while positively contributing to societal sustainability goals.

In a statement, AMTRA said that ti broadly welcomes the publication of the Government response to the GB Veterinary Medicines Regulations consultation.

AMTRA said: “The consultation was conducted last year and AMTRA prepared a comprehensive response to this. We’re delighted to see that the VMD has listened to the concerns we raised.

“We are pleased that the proposal to change the classification for new immunological veterinary medicines so they can only be prescribed by vets, will not be implemented.

“AMTRA also welcomes the modifications made to the labelling requirement proposals for veterinary medicines and that POM-V medicines other than antimicrobials, can continue to be advertised to professional keepers of animals.”

Dawn Howard, NOAH’s chief executive said that it was good to see that, in a number of key areas that NOAH felt would adversely impact animal health and welfare, Government has listened and responded to stakeholder concerns.

“We look forward to reviewing the detail and commend the hard work that has been done to bring this about,” Mrs Howard said.

Abi Seager, chief executive of the Veterinary Medicine Directorate, said that the organisation was grateful to everyone who took the time to provide considered responses to our consultation.

Ms Seager said: “We are pleased with the support for the proposed changes. Where the feedback identified disproportionate impacts on certain businesses or unintended consequences on animal health and welfare, we have acted and amended our proposals.

“We look forward to continuing engagement with all our stakeholders and support them through the implementation of the upcoming changes.”