New veterinary prescriptions for antibiotics to last 5 days

From January 28, all dosing products will require a prescription and must be purchased from a trained individual in co-ops, veterinary pharmacies and veterinary practices

The new rules are designed to ensure the most critically important antibiotics are only used where there is no alternative

A prescription for livestock antibiotics will last only five days, but the new rules from January 28 next for antiparasitic dosing products will be more lenient, with prescriptions lasting longer, according to trade sources. 

A National Veterinary Prescription System (NVPS) is planned to be operational early next year, in which a farmer’s vet will generate the prescription online (for animals under their care). Under the new plans, veterinary prescriptions will also be required for medicated feed.