The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has today, Thursday 11
September, 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.
David Catlow, Non-Executive Director, VMD said:
The publication of the VMD's vaccine availability strategy is a
timely and vital step to protect animal health and welfare,
address issues relating to antibiotic resistance and protect
public health through a One Health approach.
It will take the combined efforts and actions of all stakeholders
to ensure we have the capability and frameworks in place to
ensure we continue to have timely access to essential vaccines
that protect animal health, whilst maintaining the highest
standards of safety and public confidence.
Donal Murphy, Deputy CEO and Head of International and Regulatory
Affairs at the National Office of Animal Health Ltd, said:
NOAH welcomes the VMD's statement of intent outlining the steps
that they will undertake, working with industry to minimise
vaccine availability challenges.
It is important to clarify that these challenges are not a
UK-only issue. Vaccine supply pressures are being felt across
Europe and are driven by global manufacturing and logistical
factors as well as technical challenges that can arise when
manufacturing what are high tech products. This reinforces the
need for forward planning and close coordination between farmers,
suppliers, and manufacturers. 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.
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.
ENDS
Notes:
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The Statement of Intent:
UK Veterinary Vaccine Availability - GOV.UK.
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The VMD is the UK's regulatory authority for veterinary
medicines, responsible for promoting animal health and
welfare by assuring the safety, quality and efficacy of
veterinary medicines.
