National Office of Animal Health

Overview

The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is a trade association that represents the UK animal health industry. NOAH's primary focus is to promote the benefits of safe, effective, and quality medicines for the health and welfare of animals.

History

NOAH was established to provide a unified voice for the animal health industry in the UK. Over the years, it has played a significant role in advocating for the responsible use of animal medicines and has been involved in various initiatives to improve animal health standards.

Objectives

NOAH aims to:

• Promote the benefits of animal health products.
• Ensure the availability of safe and effective animal medicines.
• Support the responsible use of animal health products.
• Engage with stakeholders to improve animal health and welfare.

Activities

NOAH is involved in a range of activities, including:

• Policy Advocacy: Engaging with government bodies and regulatory agencies to influence policies related to animal health.
• Publications: Producing guidelines and reports on the use of animal medicines.
• Education and Training: Offering resources and training programs for veterinary professionals and the public.

Membership

NOAH's membership includes companies that research, develop, manufacture, and market animal health products in the UK. Members benefit from NOAH's advocacy efforts, access to industry information, and networking opportunities.

NOAH Compendium

The NOAH Compendium is a comprehensive resource that provides detailed information on veterinary medicines available in the UK. It is widely used by veterinary professionals as a reference for prescribing and administering animal health products.

Regulatory Environment

NOAH works closely with regulatory bodies such as the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) to ensure that animal health products meet the required safety and efficacy standards. It also collaborates with international organizations to align with global best practices.

Challenges

The animal health industry faces several challenges, including:

• Antimicrobial Resistance: Addressing the issue of antimicrobial resistance through responsible use of antibiotics in animals.
• Regulatory Changes: Adapting to changes in regulations post-Brexit and ensuring compliance with new standards.
• Public Perception: Enhancing public understanding of the role of animal medicines in ensuring animal welfare and food safety.

Future Directions

NOAH continues to focus on:

• Innovating in animal health products to meet emerging needs.
• Strengthening partnerships with stakeholders across the animal health sector.
• Promoting sustainable practices in the use of animal medicines.