When the EU-UK Summit takes place in London today, the future of veterinarians is highlighting important but often overlooked issues.
In the broader political and trade debate, two major animal health organizations (National Animal Health Office (Noah) and Animal Syndrome) are asking leaders to obtain a dedicated agreement to ensure ongoing cooperation on veterinary medicines between the UK and the EU.
Noah’s CEO Dawn Howard explained the proposal: “Veteric medicines should not be sidelined as technical details. They are important for animal health, food safety and economic growth. The UK-EU veterinary agreement is achievable and urgently necessary.
“Using AnimalHealtheurope we advocate a practical and collaborative approach that benefits European animal owners, veterinarian experts and farmers.
“This moment is a great opportunity, and the UK and the EU have the opportunity to demonstrate leadership in animal health and welfare, economic cooperation and one health.
“Noah is ready to work with AnimalHealtheurope with regulators and policymakers to ensure this outcome.”
Why Veterinarians are essential
Veterinarians play an important role in treating and preventing diseases in pets and livestock. But their impacts go far beyond farms and veterinary clinics.
It is essential to protect public health, ensure food security and support sustainable agriculture across Europe.
Nevertheless, the post-Brexit landscape introduces serious regulatory hurdles. Without formal consistency between the UK and EU veterinary systems, the industry is facing increased costs, overlapping efforts, and increased uncertainty regarding the availability of medicine.
These disruptions threaten not only animal welfare, but also broader social and environmental goals.
Long-standing promotion of alignment
Noah and AnimalHealtheurope have been advocating for veterinary agreements since the early stages of Brexit negotiations in 2018.
They are now urging leaders to action – through standalone transactions or by including veterinarians as specific chapters within the broader hygiene and plant inspection (SPS) agreement.
Such contracts harmonize key areas such as product certification, labeling, distribution, and post-market surveillance to ensure continued access to safe and effective veterinary medicines on both sides of the channel.
Small sectors with major roles
Veterinarians account for only 2-3% of the size of the human pharmaceutical sector, but their strategic importance is immeasurable.
The UK and the EU still approve many of the same products, and formal cooperation unlocks sharing efficiency, reduces costs and supports innovation.
Roxane Feller, executive director of AnimalHealtheurope, added: “Unlike politics, diseases don’t know borders.
“Warning for access to veterinarians is fundamental to protecting animal health and welfare, ensuring food security and protecting public health under one health framework.
“We sincerely hope that leaders will make the right decisions and establish a veterinary agreement between the EU and the UK.”
As the EU and British leaders meet, Noah and AnimalHealtheurope urge them not to miss this opportunity.
Veterinary agreements are essential to protect animal health, maintaining supply chains and ensuring a stable and sustainable future in both regions.
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