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BEVA monitoring shortage of equine influenza vaccinations
"If it becomes necessary, we will collectively work to devise practical solutions for dealing with any supply difficulties" - Jim Eyre, CEO of British Equestrian.
Equine organisations preparing to quantify impact of interrupted supply.

A collaboration between the British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA), British Equestrian (BEF) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) has been set up to monitor interruptions to the supply of equine influenza vaccines.

Minor interruptions to the supply of vaccines have already been noted by the group, but a significant logistical issue faced by Boehringer Ingelheim has further raised the likelihood of a reduction in supplies in the months ahead. 

The group is liaising with the three vaccine manufacturers to create solutions and minimise the impact of the shortage. 

Chair of BEVA's Health and Medicines Committee, David Rendle said: “BEVA, BHA and the BEF will continue to work together with other industry and equestrian sporting bodies to manage the situation should the availability of influenza vaccines be compromised further.

“We remind all horse owners of the importance of maintaining vaccination for equine influenza but would advise they wait until as close a time as possible until their horse’s next dose is due to minimise current demand.”

Marc Laemmer, equine business head at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, said: “We are currently experiencing a European-wide supply issue relating to our equine influenza and influenza-tetanus vaccines. 

“This has been caused by unexpected issues following the implementation of a technology upgrade and is not a product or quality issue. This means that some vet practices will have difficulty obtaining sufficient influenza vaccines and there may be a shortage in the UK market. 

“We understand the importance of these vaccines to equine welfare, and we are continuing to work tirelessly to find a solution so that we can return to normal supply as soon as possible.”

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Cold-water dip to raise funds for Vetlife

News Story 1
 The veterinary mental health charity Vetlife is inviting the veterinary community to join it for a sponsored cold-water dip.

The event will take place at Walpole Bay, Margate, on 17 May during Mental Health Awareness Week. Participants of all abilities can join in the challenge and are advised to bring a towel, a hot drink, a snack, and warm clothes to get changed into afterwards.

Those taking part are being asked to try to raise £100 each to support the work of the charity.

Details about how to take part can be found here. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue low vector period ends

In an update to its bluetongue guidance, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has announced that the seasonal low vector period for the disease has ended.

With winter over, Defra is planning for a possible increase in cases as midges become more active. It has warned that farms along the east coast of England from Norfolk to Kent, and along the south coast from Kent to Devon, are at highest risk from infected midges blown over from northern Europe.

Since the virus was detected in England in November 2023, there have been 126 confirmed cases. The most recent case to be confirmed was on 1 March 2024.

Farmers are asked to continue to frequently monitor their livestock and ensure their animals and land are registered with the Animal and Plant Health Agency.