25August 2000

More positive news on OP dips

Representatives of the marketingauthorisation holders for OP sheep dips have met with officials from theVeterinary Medicines Directorate to discuss what work remains to be done to getorganophosphate sheep dips back onto the market.

Following the meeting on Wednesday23 August, a NOAH spokesman said: This was a very positive and constructivemeeting. Now that the Veterinary Products Committee and Ministers have agreedin principle with the proposals put forward by manufacturers, we are pleasedthat everyone involved is working hard to ensure that there are no unnecessarydelays in returning OP dips to the market.

Manufacturers recognise that theywill need to demonstrate to the Veterinary Products Committee and Ministersthat their detailed proposals to amend their individual marketingauthorisations are in line with the requirements recommended by the VPC. However, manufacturers are now hopeful that,if all goes according to plan, farmers who wish to purchase OP dips should beable to do so by mid to late October.

**Ends**

Notes for Editors

1. Forfurther information please contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon, 020 8367 3131,or visit the NOAH website, www.noah.co.uk.

2. TheNational Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent theUK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animalhealth products. The association has 34 corporate members and 12 associatemembers. In 1999 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the 366 million UKanimal health market, with additional valuable exports.

3. TheMAFF announcement on OP dips was given in MAFF press release 289/00 of 15August, available on request. NOAHs response was given in a press releasedated 17 August, also available on request.