Ministers have launched a new expert-led forum to avoid disruption to veterinary medicine supplies in Northern Ireland, as major regulatory changes due to come into force from January cause concern across the agricultural and veterinary sectors.
From 1 January 2026, veterinary medicines will require separate authorization in the UK and Northern Ireland, creating new regulatory and cost barriers for manufacturers.
Industry groups have warned that the changes could lead to delays, reduced supply and increased costs for farmers if not carefully managed.
The Supply Coordination Forum, led by the Veterinary Medicine Directorate (VMD) and industry experts, has been established to monitor and quickly respond to delivery issues after the new arrangements come into force.
The committee will meet regularly in the new year to provide veterinarians and farmers with a direct route to report issues so that supply issues can be quickly addressed.
The Government said its assessment remains that most veterinary medicines currently used in Northern Ireland will continue to be available. However, the forum was established amid warnings from across the industry that the new licensing system could have unintended consequences.
The Animal Health and Distribution Association (AHDA) warned that the changes could mean farmers could face higher costs, especially if only larger pack sizes are available, and risk limiting treatment options and lowering standards of animal care if the product is withdrawn from the Northern Ireland market.
The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the impact would be both economic and ethical, warning that some farmers could be forced to buy more medicine than they need, while others could delay treatment or avoid treatment altogether due to the prohibitive costs.
The union warned that Northern Ireland should not be left with a “two-tiered animal welfare system” that would see producers lose access to products that are freely available in other parts of the UK.
Farmers and veterinarians can continue to purchase veterinary medicines online with the support of a published list of authorized retailers. VMD has also published updated guidance and hosted webinars to help businesses prepare for the new rules.
Ministers have warned pharmaceutical companies that they must improve their communications with customers ahead of a January deadline and meet their legal obligations to notify the VMD if they plan to remove products from the Northern Ireland market.
The Supply Coordination Forum is reinforcing measures announced earlier this year to strengthen the resilience of the veterinary medicine supply as the veterinary medicine sector adapts to post-Brexit regulatory changes.
The issue stems from the Windsor Framework, an agreement aimed at easing the movement of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland while maintaining access to the EU single market.
Although this framework has reduced friction in many areas, veterinary medicine remains unresolved. Industry bodies have warned that without further exemptions, Northern Ireland could lose access to key products from 2026 onwards.
Animal Welfare Minister Baroness Heyman said: “The Government has taken steps to protect the supply of veterinary medicines to Northern Ireland and the vast majority continues to be supplied.”
He added: “We urge pharmaceutical companies to communicate their supply intentions as soon as possible so that we can quickly address any minor issues next year.”
For now, ministers insist supplies will continue, but farmers and veterinarians will be watching closely as new rules come into effect in January.
