I don’t buy into the new restrictions proposed for routine animal medicines. There is a widespread acceptance and political momentum for a veterinary-only prescription basis for antibiotics, but what about anthelmintics, flukicides and vaccinations?

Part of the new reason given for the proposed restrictions is the development of resistance to anthelmintics in cattle, and especially sheep. There is certainly resistance present in both species but the resistance in individual flocks and herds varies with the dosing history.

If there was continuous use of just one category of drug on a farm, then resistance is more likely to develop. However, if resistance is suspected, then it can be quite easily checked for by taking dung samples and testing firstly for the presence of parasites and, if present, testing for resistance to particular active ingredients. That is why we have regional veterinary laboratories around the country and there is no reason why their expertise should not be fully availed of. EU legislation has a long tradition of drawing a distinction between “hobby farmers” in the broadest sense and professional keepers of animals.

Increasingly, professional keepers of animals have a solid agricultural education that equips them to assess the effectiveness of animal medicines and to take steps if there are resistance or other problems and of course, to call in professional veterinary assistance if needed.

Many now prepare a herd health plan with their vet on an annual basis. It is not desirable that the preparation of such an annual herd health plan be influenced by commercial considerations, by a vet, around what animal medicines he may be able to sell.

Under the Irish system, it is acceptable that the same individual will be able to prescribe and sell the medicine. This is highly undesirable and institutionalises a lack of competition to farmers’ detriment.

The Minister and Department should think again. Ireland’s agriculture is uniquely animal-based. This approach for universal prescriptions tackles a problem which can be solved more easily in a more sensible way.

Read more

The record-keeping side of B&B movements and shed rental agreements

Antibiotic use falls to 10 year low