More positive news on OP dips

Representatives of the marketing authorisation holders for OP sheep dips have met with officials from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate to discuss what work remains to be done to get organophosphate sheep dips back onto the market.

Following the meeting on Wednesday 23 August, a NOAH spokesman said: "This was a very positive and constructive meeting. Now that the Veterinary Products Committee and Ministers have agreed in principle with the proposals put forward by manufacturers, we are pleased that everyone involved is working hard to ensure that there are no unnecessary delays in returning OP dips to the market.

"Manufacturers recognise that they will need to demonstrate to the Veterinary Products Committee and Ministers that their detailed proposals to amend their individual marketing authorisations 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 be able to do so by mid to late October."

25 August 2000

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Roger Cook or Alison Glennon at NOAH, tel. +44 (0)20 8367 3131, or visit the NOAH website.
2. The National Office of Animal Health was formed on 1 January 1986 to represent the UK companies which research, develop, manufacture and market licensed animal health products. The association has 34 corporate members and 12 associate members. In 1999 NOAH's members accounted for around 95% of the £366 million UK animal health market, with additional valuable exports.
3. The MAFF announcement on OP dips was given in MAFF press release 289/00 of 15 August, available on request. NOAH’s response was given in a press release dated 17 August, also available on request.