Covid-19 (Coronavirus) Statement - 4 March 2020

We have been monitoring the situation closely with regards to Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and have been taking appropriate steps to ensure the health and safety of our employees and customers and to mitigate any risk regarding supply of products.  

There are two aspects to the current Coronavirus situation: 

• The welfare and safety of our staff and customers.

• The continuation of the supply of medicines to the UK veterinary market – either through the risk of coronavirus affecting our own workforce or the supply of products due to any number of reasons, including shortage of products or components required for manufacture of products and packaging. 

The welfare and safety of our staff and customers 

We have already been active in implementing measures to mitigate the risk of the spread of the virus including issuing drivers and staff with hand cleansing measures and ensuring that good personal hygiene is highlighted. Additionally, thorough cleaning is undertaken in key areas of the company such as canteens and social areas. 

The continuation of the supply of medicines to the UK veterinary market 

We have contacted our supply chain partners and manufacturers to ask for their risk assessments and potential areas for concern in terms of product supply and will continue to work with them to try to identify the most challenged areas of supply.  

On a positive note, in many cases, there are often alternative product choices and we can supply these to provide continuity of care. 

We are already experiencing some shortages in key product areas that are linked to the care of the human population, such as masks and paracetamol, and are doing everything that we can to mitigate shortages in these areas. 

We remain committed to delivering excellence and innovation in animal health and will keep you updated with any information as the situation develops. 

Martin Riley – MD, National Veterinary Services  

4 March 2020