Since the introduction of the new veterinary medicine regulations in December 2025, co-operatives across the country have experienced a significant change in how veterinary medicines are supplied to farmers, ICOS has stated.

Ray Doyle, Livestock & Environmental Services Executive of ICOS said:

The transition to electronic prescribing has generally worked well and systems such as VetPal have proven efficient, with prescriptions being processed quickly and reliably.

However, while ICOS supports the objective of promoting responsible medicine use and reducing the risk of antimicrobial and antiparasitic resistance, the commercial impact on co-operative retailers has been significant.

Many co-ops have experienced a very substantial reduction in veterinary medicine sales since the regulations came into effect, although this has been influenced to some extent by farmers purchasing stock ahead of the 1st December implementation date.

Increased costs associated with the prescribing process, combined with reduced sales volumes, have significantly eroded retail margins. Without changes to the current system, there is a real and genuine concern that many co-operative stores will no longer be in a position to continue retailing veterinary medicines over the coming years.

ICOS believes there is an opportunity to strengthen Ireland’s animal health strategy by improving access to vaccines. While antiparasitic treatments should continue to be used carefully to help combat resistance, greater emphasis should be placed on disease prevention through vaccination.

Vaccines should be made available to farmers through the same prescribing protocol that now exists for antiparasitic medicines. This would support higher vaccine uptake. This in turn would improve herd and flock health, help reduce disease pressures and ensure farmers continue to benefit from the convenience, competition and advice provided through their local co-operative network.

ICOS is committed to working constructively with the Department of Agriculture and industry stakeholders to ensure the regulations continue to meet animal health objectives but there must also be fairness and competitiveness in the system for farmers and merchants.