A new app which links farmers, vets and merchants with the Department of Agriculture’s national veterinary prescription system (NVPS) has been shortlisted for an Innovation Arena award at Ploughing 2026.
VetPal has been shortlisted for the start-up innovator of the year award.
The app was founded by Roscommon vet Alan Gormley and Colm Murphy.
Since 1 December, antiparasitic products including wormers, fluke doses and pour-ons require a veterinary prescription before they can be dispensed.
Farmers seeking a prescription must now complete a proper assessment protocol, which includes information on animal weights, previous treatments, stock movements and any faecal egg count results.
This is assessed by a vet, who determines whether treatment is required and, where appropriate, issues a prescription which can be dispensed by the farmer’s selected store.
“The regulation was always going to land. The only question was whether it would work when it was implemented. VetPal has helped make that compliance a reality,” Gormley said.
The prescription changes are aimed at reducing unnecessary treatments and slowing the development of resistance to worm and fluke products.
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