Potential impacts of climate change on veterinary medicinal residues in livestock produce: An island of Ireland perspective†

• Climate change effects on veterinary drug use on the island of Ireland are reviewed.
• Use of various classes of drug is predicted to increase following climate changes.
• Particular focus is given to anthelmintic drug applications.
• Mitigation and adaptation strategies are suggested to minimise drug residues in food.

Residues of veterinary medicines are a food safety issue regulated by European legislation. The occurrence of animal diseases necessitating application of veterinary medicines is significantly affected by global and local climate changes. This review assesses potential impacts of climate change on residues in food produced on the island of Ireland. Use of various classes of veterinary drugs in light of predicted local climate change is reviewed with particular emphasis on anthelmintic drugs and consideration is given to residues accumulating in the environment. Veterinary medicine use is predicted to increase as disease burdens increase due to varied climate effects. Locally relevant mitigation and adaptation strategies are suggested to ensure climate change does not adversely affect food safety via increasing drug residues.