NOAH has taken time to build relationships over the past year, says Bill Hird

NOAH’s past year has focussed on building relationships with others, as well as dealing with legislation in progress, particularly the European Regulatory Review. This was the summary of Bill Hird, outgoing chairman of the National Office of Animal Health, at the association’s Annual General Meeting in London on 22 April.

He said: “Compared to recent years, the last twelve months have been relatively tranquil. We have had none of the overwhelming issues such as BSE and FMD to face and internal reorganisations within IFAH and NOAH are largely behind us. We have focused our time on helping shepherd through legislation in progress, building capabilities and relationships with key stakeholders, developing an influential voice with IFAH Global, and planning for future legislation.”

He said that the European Regulatory Review, which will be incorporated into national legislation, together with findings from Competition Commission and Marsh reports, could be positive for the future of animal medicines in the UK. “Harmonised data protection, fewer renewals, special treatment for horses, the right to choose which approval procedure and the derogation to Member States on POMs are important to the entire industry. NOAH has worked well with other stakeholders to influence the shape of this legislation, both here in the UK and in Brussels,” said Mr Hird.

With elements from the OFT and Marsh reports, this will provide the base for new national legislation which is in the early stages of drafting. As this process progresses, NOAH’s work alongside others will continue.

Bill Hird described an important, but not widely appreciated, success for NOAH this year: amending the Government’s view of the role of medicines in the Animal Health and Welfare initiatives. “Early drafts showed little acknowledgement of the role and potential contribution of medicines in the sector strategies. However, working with DEFRA and other stakeholders, often via RUMA, medicines and the overall contribution from the industry are now seen as much more significant,” he said. Also, he added: “I was very pleased to see a step change in our activities in supporting the companion animal market, which was symbolised in the Pet Event at the Houses of Parliament. The success of the event provides a platform from which we can develop a strong stakeholder coalition.

“Over the past year or so, we have tried to change our style as an organisation, focusing more on co-operation, involvement and persuasion, stressing our interdependence with others and our willingness to actively engage in developing common approaches. This partnership model has helped generate goodwill and influence.

“Keeping this going is important for the future,” he added.

22 April 2004

Notes for Editors

1. For further information contact Phil Sketchley 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 33 corporate members and 14 associate members. In 2003 NOAH's members accounted for well over 90% of the £398 million UK animal health market