Despite the temporary relaxation of the enforcement of specific provisions of the Veterinary Medicines Regulations ending on August 31, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has issued new COVID-19 guidance.

The temporary relaxation covered certain aspects of the prescribing and supply of veterinary medicines,

The VMD said this week: “In view of the continuing and unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have issued statements allowing, in exceptional circumstances, for facilitations concerning the temporary change of veterinary practice and SQP retailer premises and the arrangements for SQPs for remote prescribing and authorisation of supply to be re-applied, where:

• the veterinary practice premises/SQP retailer is located in an area where the Government has deployed local lockdown measures; and/or
• an SQP needs to self-isolate as they have tested positive for the virus or due to contact tracing.”