Police in counterfeit veterinary medicines search

Police have begun carrying out searches in counties Down, Tyrone and Fermanagh in an attempt to crack down on the use of illegal and counterfeit veterinary medicines.

In conjunction with the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and Department of Health, Social Services & Public Safety, officers are also co-ordinating their research with similar operations in the Republic of Ireland by the appropriate authorities.

A spokesperson for the Department of Health said: "It is the view of the Department that the use of illegal veterinary medicines could have detrimental implications for human health through the growth of antibiotic resistance and contamination of the food chain. Such unregulated use could have a devastating effect on the agricultural industry. The Department, in the light of such threats, is appealing to any person who has information regarding the purchase, sale or use of such illegal medicines to contact 028 9052 8624."

At present, any veterinary medicine used in the UK must have a Marketing Authorisation (Vm) issued by the UK Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD).

A Vm issued in respect of a legitimate product provides assurance to the user of that product’s safety, quality and efficacy. Such assurance is not available in respect of unlicensed products.

The possession of such unauthorised products for the purpose of placing them on the market in the UK is an offence under medicines legislation.

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