Dr. Paul Corkery:

The one thing that is clear from France is that they only allow veterinarians to issue prescriptions for these products. I am not sure whether they have a limit on the duration, but the decision is left to the vet. I spent some time in France as the agricultural attaché for the Department; therefore, I am somewhat aware of what they do there. They have quite a restrictive system regarding the duration of prescriptions. The duration would be shorter term, of one month or two months. We would be more flexible in Ireland, but then again, one must remember that most cattle are partially housed in France, which I was surprised to see, and they go out for periods. France does not have the same issues we have because of the wet climate in Ireland.