Representing the Manufacturers of Animal Medicines

National Office of Animal Health Ltd

3 Crossfield Chambers, Gladbeck Way, Enfield, Middlesex EN27HF

Tel: (+44) 020 83673131 Facsimile: (+44) 020 8363 1155

e-mail: a.glennon@noah.co.uk

PressRelease

12September 2002

Importance of medicines to animal welfarerecognised in DEFRA reshuffle

Animal welfare and animal medicineshave been linked within DEFRA. Following a reshuffle of responsibilities,Parliamentary Secretary Elliot Morley now has responsibility for not onlyanimal health and animal welfare, but also medicines and the VeterinaryMedicines Directorate (VMD).

Welcoming this move, whichrecognises the vital role animal medicines have in maintaining good health andwelfare for animals, Phil Sketchley, chief executive of the National Office ofAnimal Health said: "This is something we suggested when DEFRA was firstestablished. The availability of a wide range of properly authorised animalmedicines is essential to the health of pet, sporting and farm animals, and ofcourse good health is an essential component of animal welfare. Animalmedicines, including vaccines, help keep animals healthy, and if they do fallill, are a vital tool in fighting disease.

"The licensing of animalmedicines is a crucial task carried out by VMD in the UK, as withoutauthorisation animal medicines may not be sold or used. It is a complex task involving manydisciplines, including safety to the animal patient, the user, the environmentand, for food animals, the consumer. It is important that the safeguard ofregulation is balanced by a recognition of the need for medicines to beavailable to prevent and treat animal disease.

"The collection of theseresponsibilities under Mr Morley should improve communication, and createopportunities to discuss and resolve any differences. We look forward toworking with Mr Morley in the future", he said.

Ends

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Philip Sketchley or Alison Glennon on020 8367 3131, e-mail noah@noah.co.ukor visit the NOAH website www.noah.co.uk.

2.       The National Office of AnimalHealth was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies whichresearch, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. Theassociation has 36 corporate members and 12 associate members. In 2001 NOAH'smembers accounted for around 95% of the 359 million UK animal health market,with additional valuable exports.