"I am greatly disappointed with Veterinary Ireland for stooping to such a low level in their attempt to sway public opinion. As far as we in ICSA are concerned, these comments represent a new low, driven by sheer greed and a blatant disregard for the longstanding trust between farmers and veterinarians," he said. 

Mr Barron was responding to remarks made by Veterinary Ireland President Hazell Mullins, who stated that the proposed changes to veterinary regulations could "compromise the safety and standards of our food supply chains" and increase the risk of humans developing antibiotic-resistant genes due to the potential overuse of antibiotics on farms. 

"Veterinary Ireland claiming that the proposed changes to the regulations would put human health at risk is simply a scare tactic to maintain control over the sale of antiparasitics and vaccines to increase profits for veterinarians. Antibiotics should not even be mentioned in this debate; their use will always be as prescribed and dispensed by a veterinary practitioner." 

"We are also among the best in the world when it comes to safety standards in our food supply chain, and our farmers are fully regulated on the use of all medicines, antiparasitics, and vaccines, all of which are monitored by the Department of Agriculture and Bord Bia. Overuse of any medicines is not in any farmers' interest." 

"Furthermore, Veterinary Ireland's insinuation that farmers are not capable of vaccinating their animals or administering antiparasitics is both insulting and disingenuous. Farmers have been managing the health and welfare of their livestock for generations. Any suggestion that farmers are suddenly unable to perform these tasks is nothing more than an attempt by the vets to monopolise the trade and boost their own profits at the expense of farmers."