Mark Little, from the North of Ireland Veterinary Association, said “major regulatory change” was approaching “very soon”, but there was “almost incomplete” information. Under the post-Brexit agreement between the European Union and UK, Northern Ireland must follow EU rules on veterinary medicines, rather than the rules which apply in Britain. A grace period, which allows veterinary medicines authorised in Britain to continue to be supplied in Northern Ireland, expires on December 31st. From January 1st, veterinary medicines from Britain can only be supplied to Northern Ireland if these meet the full EU regulatory requirements or in exceptional circumstances. These include increased cost, the discontinuation of products, the additional burden placed on vets and the potential to increase the resistance to veterinary medicines.

Source: The Irish Times November 28, 2025 06:03 UTC