Skip to main content
Guidance

Known supply problems with animal medicines

Reported problems with the supply of an animal medicine and the date when the issue is expected to be resolved.

Companies must report supply problems to the Veterinary Medicines Directorate when product shortages are identified. A shortage occurs when supply of a veterinary medicine does not meet national demand.

Information on product shortages where there is no known alternative product is published here. In such instances, vets may prescribe using the cascade. Vets are reminded that it is their responsibility to apply use of the cascade appropriately based on clinical need.

More information can be found on The Cascade: Prescribing unauthorised medicines page.

For non-UK products vets must apply for a certificate to import a Veterinary Medicine into the UK.

For information on manufacturers of extemporaneous products, please read the ManSA Register

Supply problems exist with the following products

Bluetongue Serotype 3 (BTV-3) Vaccinations

Due to the availability of GB authorised Syvazul BTV 3 Suspension for Injection for Sheep and Cattle (Vm: 31592/5006), Special Import Certificates for alternative products are no longer being issued instantly upon application. Veterinarians may still apply to import alternatives, providing justifications for the clinical need, and each application will be assessed by the VMD.

Leptospirosis/Parvovirus/Erysipelas Vaccinations for Pigs

Due to the availability of UK authorised product, the VMD will no longer accept applications to import alternative Leptospirosis/Parvovirus/Erysipelas vaccinations for pigs, including Farrowsure Gold B.

Details of UK authorised products can be found on the Product Information Database.

Mycoplasma Bovis Vaccinations for Cattle

Due to the availability of UK authorised product, the VMD will no longer accept applications to import alternative Mycoplasma vaccinations for cattle, including Myco-B One Dose.

Details of UK authorised products can be found on the Product Information Database.

Bronopol solution for fish treatment

The VMD have been informed that there is returned supply of UK authorised Pyceze 500 mg/ml Concentrate for Solution for Fish Treatment.

The VMD will no longer accept applications to import alternative bronopol products, including Cress 50%.

Vaccines for Newcastle Disease Virus

The VMD is aware of the following shortages affecting NDV vaccines:

  • Poulvac NDW (GB: 42058/5203 & NI 60021/3081): Out of stock in GB until September 2026; not marketed in NI.

  • Avinew Neo Effervescent Tablets for Chickens and Turkeys (GB: 08327/5043 & NI: 08327/5043): Out of stock in GB with no confirmed restock date; not marketed in NI.

  • VAXXON ND CLONE (Lyophilisate and Solvent for Oculonasal Suspension, Chickens) (NI: EU/2/24/326/001-004): Authorised in NI only; currently out of stock with no confirmed return date.

  • AviPro ND C131 Lyophilisate for Suspension (Chickens and Turkeys) (GB: 52127/5099 & NI: 52127/3034): Currently out of stock with no confirmed return date.

We have received confirmation that the following vaccines are currently available:

  • Avishield ND B1, Lyophilisate for Oculonasal Suspension/Use in Drinking Water (Chickens) (GB: 61812/5001 & NI: 61812/3001)

  • Avishield ND Lyophilisate for Oculonasal Suspension/Use in Drinking Water (Chickens and Turkeys) (GB: 61812/5000 & NI: 61812/3000)

  • Nobilis ND Clone 30 Live Lyophilisate for Oculonasal Suspension/Use in Drinking Water (Chickens and Turkeys) (GB: 06376/5047 & NI: 06376/3049)

Vaccines containing additional components are also authorised and may be available.

While supply constraints are affecting several NDV vaccines, veterinary surgeons may consider the use of alternative products under the Cascade. However, every effort should first be made to source a UK-authorised product. Veterinarians are reminded that it remains their responsibility to apply the Cascade appropriately, based on clinical need.

Vaccines for immunisation against equine influenza and tetanus

The VMD have been informed that there is now returned supply of UK authorised equine flu and tetanus vaccines.

The VMD will no longer accept applications to import alternative products, including Vetera 2XP licensed in the USA.

Vaccine for immunisation against ringworm

Following the granting of a marketing authorisation, the VMD have been informed that there is availability of Trichovec, Lyophilisate and Solvent for Suspension for Injection for Cattle (Vm 51609/3000 and 51609/5000).

Therefore the VMD will no longer issue import certificates for ‘Trichoben’ as authorised in the Czech Republic and Netherlands.

Viper Venom Antiserum for veterinary use (adder bite antivenom)

There is no viper venom antiserum licensed in the UK for the treatment of adder bites in animals.

VMD accept applications to import European Viper Antiserum from Biomed (Poland) and Institute of Immunology, Zagreb (Croatia).

Before submitting an application contact the relevant manufacturer to ensure they are able to supply the quantity of product you wish to import.

Contact details of the approved manufacturers

BIOMED Warsaw
Wytwornia Surowic i szczepionek BIOMED Ltd
Ul. Chelmska 30/34
00-725 Warsaw
Phone. 022 841 4071

Institute of Immunology
Rockefellerova 2
10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Phone +385 1 46 84 500

In urgent cases the antivenom may be supplied, purchased and used prior to the special treatment certificate being obtained from the VMD. This is a special dispensation made for this clinical condition only.

Sign up for emails or print this page