Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak - availability of veterinary medicines
Statement on the availability of veterinary medicines during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) is monitoring the availability of authorised veterinary medicines in the UK during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
The VMD and the pharmaceutical industry have well-established procedures to deal with supply issues that arise. These procedures include robust, intelligence-led warning systems to detect potential problems at the earliest possible point and an emergency response plan to support the continued supply of veterinary medicines. We work closely with the veterinary pharmaceutical industry and those operating in the supply chain to minimise risks when they do arise.
Manufacturers and suppliers of veterinary medicines have measures in place to enable the continued production and supply of medicines. However, if a pharmaceutical company becomes aware of a current or potential problem with the supply of one of their products they should report it to us.
We encourage veterinary surgeons and retailers to continue with normal purchasing patterns to maintain proportionate stocks of veterinary medicines to support the availability of medicines.
If you are a veterinary surgeon, and you become aware of a possible supply issue, we encourage you to first speak to the Marketing Authorisation Holder to determine product availability. If difficulties remain, you can also speak to your relevant veterinary association who can report the concern to the VMD by contacting supply@vmd.gov.uk.
Animal owners should follow the advice of the veterinary profession:
- discuss the timing of vaccinations with their vet
- seek repeat prescriptions in good time from their veterinary practice for animals undergoing long term treatment.
Further information
Advice for the veterinary pharmaceutical industry and the veterinary profession from their representative organisations is at: