VMD launches strategy to secure future animal vaccine supplies

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), the UK’s regulatory authority for veterinary medicines, has launched a strategy to address potential vaccine shortages working with the wider industry.

The statement of intent, which was published on Thursday (11 September), sets out the cross-sector strategy that will underpin the development of a five-year UK action plan.

The plan, which will be published within the next 12 months, aims to define deliverables, timelines, governance and key performance indicators to measure progress.

See also: Low vaccination rate leaves livestock exposed to bluetongue

The strategy overall aims to address the current mismatch between supply and demand for existing veterinary vaccines and further aims to address a lack of development and innovation for new vaccines to address current and emerging animal health challenges.

Just-in-time model

The current model of vaccine availability operates largely on a just-in-time basis for manufacture and supply, and it is hoped the strategy will reduce the risk by transitioning towards a just-in-case approach.

By being better prepared, the VMD said, potential impacts on both animal and human health could be mitigated.

UK chief vet Christine Middlemiss said the strategic approach complemented the UK government’s wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway initiative.

“Vaccine availability isn’t just a UK issue,” she added. “The global animal health community is facing this challenge, so we will work with World Organisation for Animal Health as well as with our international veterinary networks to share experience and find common solutions.”

Industry welcome

The National Sheep Association (NSA) has previously highlighted the problem to the VMD and welcomed the statement as an important step towards securing resilient access to vital veterinary vaccines.

“Recognising the challenges with supply and innovation and setting out a cross-sector framework for solutions, is a really significant step forward,” said NSA chief executive Phil Stocker.

NFU president Tom Bradshaw said the NFU welcomed the initiative and looked forward to contributing to its delivery. 

Vaccine supply pressure

The National Office of Animal Health (Noah) said vaccine supply pressures are being felt across Europe and are driven by global manufacturing and logistical factors as well as technical challenges.

“This reinforces the need for forward planning and close co-ordination between farmers, suppliers, and manufacturers,” said Donal Murphy, Noah’s deputy CEO.

“This means sharing information about expected needs, any supply problems and flagging any changes in demand as far in advance as possible.

“Given the complexity of the challenge and its global nature, a long-term strategic approach, as outlined by the VMD, should be applauded and welcomed,” he added.