As we approach the end of the year, Northern Ireland’s farming, veterinary, and animal welfare sectors are facing a potential crisis that cannot be ignored. On 31 December the veterinary medicines grace period is due to end, and without a clear and workable plan from Government, the supply of hundreds of essential veterinary medicines is set to be disrupted.
I recently led a Westminster Hall debate on this matter, and prior to the debate I met with the DEFRA Minister, Baroness Hayman, to press the urgency of securing a long-term solution. I made it clear to the Minister that a solution must be in place by the end of the year. If it’s not, the consequences for animal health, human health and our agri-food economy could be severe.
This issue has been known for some time. In February 2025, I hosted an event with the British Veterinary Association in Parliament to highlight these concerns and urge the Government to act while there was still plenty of time. Since then, the warnings have grown louder, and recently than 19,000 vets from across the UK signed a joint letter to Government, stressing the importance of protecting Northern Ireland’s access to veterinary medicines.
Northern Ireland is uniquely exposed because of the divergence caused by the terms of the Windsor Framework. Our supply chains, unlike elsewhere in the UK, are subject to additional EU rules. Veterinary medicines are just one example. Household appliances, the movement of farm machinery and even online shopping have all been affected in similar ways, with extra bureaucracy of businesses, delays for customers and limits on the range of products available.
It’s been reported that between 10% to 15% of drugs and pack sizes are expected to be discontinued in Northern Ireland, of which 20 have no suitable alternatives available in the NI market. If manufacturers find it unviable to continue supplying Northern Ireland it would leave vets, farmers and pet owners with far fewer options.
Government Ministers have informed me that they are working with four online retailers to ensure a continued supply of veterinary medicines in the new year. Animal owners with a prescription from a vet will be able to order medicines through one of these sites. For many, this will hopefully only mean changing online retailer.
It is important to note that not all drugs currently used by animal owners may be available even if any of these four retailers come online. In some cases, alternatives or substitutes will need to be found and, unfortunately, substitutes are not a fix-all solution. Allergies, intolerances and other sensitivities mean that some animals will not be able to use these alternatives, highlighting the ongoing risks and the need for a long-term solution.
Furthermore, Marketing Authorisation for a product does not necessarily mean that it will continue to be supplied, indeed manufacturers are still finalising their decisions, which they may or may not communicate in advance of January.
Northern Ireland’s farmers are already under pressure from the threat of disease, rising costs and the introduction of the Family Farm Inheritance Tax. Losing access to essential veterinary medicines would make it far harder to maintain healthy livestock and a sustainable family business. Pet owners would also feel the impact with everyday treatments potentially becoming more scarce or expensive. Animal rescue charities, which already operate on tight budgets, fear that disruptions could prevent them from providing for the animals in their care.
As a former NI Minister for Health, I can ensure you that any threat to animal health is also a threat to human health. Effective disease control in animals underpins food safety, public health and the security of our agri-food sector.
We have seen the grace period extended multiple times, but extensions are not a solution – we need certainty. The Government’s commitment to provide timely advice and information during the transition period is to be welcomed, but that engagement alone will not secure supply chains in the long-term.
It has become increasingly clear that Government needs to horizon scan for future divergence. By identifying this divergence early, it can minimise impacts, avoid last-minute fixes and ensure that people and businesses are prepared without creating unnecessary panic. This kind of forward planning is essential if Northern Ireland is to avoid being repeatedly exposed to these challenges.
Northern Ireland cannot be left exposed. A secure settlement on veterinary medicines is essential for animal health, human health and the future of our agri-food sector. I, along with others, have made the argument, and it is now up to the Government to act to protect the health of our animals and farms.
The Government must act now to deliver a secure settlement on veterinary medicines for Northern Ireland
