Veterinary Medicine Records

Information related to the maintenance of records on the use of veterinary medicines.

Under  the Animals and Animal Products (Examination for Residues and Maximum Residue Limits) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1998 as amended and The Veterinary Medicines Regulations 2008, records must be kept in respect of the use of all veterinary medicines. These records must include the following information:

At the time of administration the following must also be recorded:

If the product is disposed of, other than by treating an animal, the following must be recorded:

All records and proof of purchase must be kept for at least five years following the administration or disposal of the product, even if the animals concerned have been slaughtered or have died during that period.

Records should be kept in a permanent and legible form and must be retained for a minimum of three years from the end of the calendar year to which the record relates

Additionally, farmers must ensure that the withdrawal period relating to a veterinary medicine has been observed and retain the veterinary prescription, where one is provided, to verify this for a period of five years from the date of commencement of the withdrawal period to which it relates.

These records will be checked by Veterinary Service inspectors while carrying out farm visits in the course of their duties. Records must be made available to an inspector on request and, if necessary, in a form which can be taken away for further inspection. Failure to keep proper records may result in prosecution leading to a fine of up to £5,000.