Farmers in New Zealand have a privileged position compared to some other dairy producing countries when it comes to having the option of drugs on hand on-farm. 
 
As Vets, we have shared our knowledge and worked with farmers so that they are experienced enough to diagnose many conditions in their animals and provide an appropriate treatment course, without the need to discuss every case with their vet. As opposed to many overseas farmers, New Zealand farmers do not need to get a vet out every time they see a case of footrot or difficult calving. 
 
Due to stricter rules from (for example) the EU market, on-farm audits are becoming much more detailed. To prevent you, as our client, failing an audit, we have to sharpen our methods around sales of Restricted Veterinary Medicines (RVMs) like Metacam, Penicillin, Imflamol, purple spray etcetera. 
 
This does mean that our front counter-staff could need to ask a vet to have a conversation with you (in person at the counter/ over the phone/ on-farm) if the product required is varying from the one on your personalised script, before they can hand out an RVM to you. We kindly ask for your patience and understanding.