IFA attacks vet prescription plans

Ireland: Proposals requiring all veterinary medicines to be sold by prescription only will escalate veterinary costs by up to €80 million, place a burden on farmers and do nothing for consumers, the IFA has warned.

Animal Health Committee chairman Michael Flynn said the Department of Agriculture proposals to confine prescription writing to vets will reduce competition by limiting supply routes, will increase costs and have repercussions on animal welfare.

“Irish farmers spend approximately €125m per annum on animal remedies. If competition is removed and market prices mirror what has happened to the price of prescription-only medicines, it is conceivable that farmers will have to pay an additional e60m to e80m per annum for veterinary medicines,” he said.