Re Joint Venture

Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC
1 February 2005



Issued by Citigate Dewe Rogerson Limited, Birmingham
Date: Tuesday 1 February 2005
                                                               Embargoed: 7.00am

                            Dechra launches
         next generation veterinary practice management system


Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC ('Dechra') has established a joint venture
partnership with Cam-Dal Computing, providers of bespoke e-commerce solutions.
This partnership will support Vetcom Systems, Dechra's I.T. division with the
launch of its next generation of new cost-effective, multi-user, on-line
veterinary practice management system, Vetcom Open.

The state of the art Open software system provides significantly improved
functionality over current veterinary practice management systems. The next
generation technology has been developed by Cam-Dal over several years and is
already established in a number of veterinary practices nationwide, including
major large animal sites, 24-hour emergency clinics and multi-site small animal
groups. Current feedback from the end-users has been exceptionally positive.

Ian Page, Chief Executive, Dechra Pharmaceuticals commented:

'We are focused on providing our customers with ever improving technology which
ensures that they are able to operate a progressive, efficient and
cost-effective practice.

'With the introduction of Vetcom Open, we are confident that we can further
increase our market penetration of veterinary practice management systems.'

Enquiries:

Ian Page, Chief Executive                 Fiona Tooley/Katie Dale
Dechra Pharmaceuticals PLC                Citigate Dewe Rogerson
Telephone: [phone]                   Telephone: [phone]
Mobile: [phone]                      Mobile: [phone]
www.dechra.com
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