The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has published a statement of intent on UK veterinary vaccine availability. The statement of intent sets out a strategic framework for future cross-sector action to address the mismatch between supply and demand for existing veterinary vaccines and facilitate the pipeline of innovative products to address existing and emerging therapeutic gaps.
The availability of effective veterinary vaccines is not just a matter of animal welfare, it underpins public health, food security, and economic resilience. The critical importance of vaccine availability was recognised as a key finding in the recent National Audit Office report on resilience to animal diseases.
The current model of vaccine availability operates largely on a just-in-time basis for manufacture and supply. To safeguard against future risks, the framework calls for a transition towards a more resilient, just-in-case approach that prioritises preparedness to mitigate potential impacts on both animal and human health.
The framework proposes four integrated strategic themes and outlines the workstreams and activities that will deliver these themes, identified through consultation with stakeholders across the animal health sector. Publication will be followed by the development of a five-year multi-stakeholder UK action plan. This plan will be coordinated and championed by the VMD and will require collaborative work across all stakeholders to agree ownership, governance, deliverables, timelines and key performance indicators for activities.
Abi Seager, VMD chief executive said: “Vaccination is a vital component for assuring animal and human health. The need for vaccine innovation is increasing as we face into emerging disease threats, and it is critical that supply meets demand. This is why VMD is championing this plan for vaccines and the multi-partnership approach that is key to delivering success.”
Christine Middlemiss, chief veterinary officer said: “Vaccines are essential to prevent disease in our livestock and companion animals. I welcome this strategic approach to support our vets and animal keepers to have access to effective vaccines when they need them. This complements our wider Animal Health and Welfare Pathway initiative. Vaccine availability isn’t just a UK issue – the global animal health community is facing into 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.”
The statement of intent follows extensive stakeholder engagement led by the VMD, bringing together representatives from government, the pharmaceutical industry, veterinary professionals and the wider animal health sector to better understand the challenges and identify potential solutions.
