Farmers demand probe into vet drug costs
13 December 1999
Farmers demand probe into vet drug costs
By Shelley Wright
FARMERS have called for a government inquiry to establish why Britains livestock producers pay more than their competitors for veterinary medicines.
A new report by the National Farmers Union of Scotland claims that some animal health products cost 200% more in the UK than in other countries.
Jim Walker, NFUS president called for the Scottish Parliament to review the pricing, licensing and supply of veterinary products.
He said he hoped to persuade the Edinburgh administration to ask the Office of Fair Trading to get the matter referred to the UK Competition Commission.
The NFUS report claims producers here pay about £330 for a 15-litre container of sheep wormer when the identical product costs just £120 in New Zealand.
A 100ml bottle of the antibiotic Embacyclin LA is 273% more expensive in Scotland compared to Ireland where it sells for the equivalent of £5.85.
The National Office of Animal Health, which represents animal health companies, said no single answer explained why prices were higher in the UK.
Exchange rates, the cost of licensing and arrangements for the supply and distribution of veterinary products in the UK all influenced the final price, it said.