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NPA warns of impact of pig vaccine shortages
More antibiotics are being used in response to a vaccine shortages.
The shortages are leading to increased antibiotic usage.

The National Pig Association (NPA) has highlighted the impact that vaccine shortages are having on the pig farming sector.

It warns that continued availability issues may be resulting in an increase in antibiotic use on pig farms.

Disruptions in the supply of vaccines is said to have been going on for a year. This may be attributed to a number of reasons, including recalls, failed batches and too few importations into Great Britain.

With an estimated ten per cent of veterinary vaccines produced in the UK, it is reported that other parts of the world will also be seeing the impact.

The NPA believes that the vaccine production issues may be a result of a diversion of vaccine manufacturing priorities to Covid and other diseases. As well as limiting space in vaccine manufacturing schedules, this may also cause a shortage of supplies such as vaccine bottles.

The schedules are also impacted by the short shelf lives of the vaccines, which can make cold storage and transport problematic.

The vaccine shortages are believed to be a contributor to an increase in antibiotic use, with more antibiotics being used in place of the vaccine. In autumn 2024, data from the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) and Veterinary Antimicrobial Resistance and Sales (VARSS) showed that there had been an 18 per cent increase in antibiotic use between 2022 and 2023.

The NPA says that it will be reporting the impact of the vaccine shortage back to pharmaceutical companies and the government.

It also says that the vaccine shortage, and its impact on antibiotic use, may be difficult to resolve. It says that it will require a collaborative effort from livestock industries, government and pharmaceutical companies to tackle the issue.

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Greyhound Board announces change to vaccination guidance

News Story 1
 The Greyhound Board of Great Britain has published new vaccination guidance, with all greyhounds registered from 1 January, 2027 required to have the L4 leptospirosis vaccination, rather than L2.

The change comes in response to the reduced availability of the 'L2' Leptospirosis vaccine across the UK, and aims to support best biosecurity practice across the racing greyhound population.

GBGB veterinary director Simon Gower, said "While rare, Leptospirosis is a serious infectious disease that can affect both dogs and humans, so it is vital that we offer our greyhounds the broadest possible protection.  

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News Shorts
Free webinar explores congenital heart disease in dogs

A free webinar is to provide veterinary professionals, dog breeders and pet owners an new insights into congenital heart disease.

Chris Linney, a cardiology specialist and Veterinary Cardiovascular Society (VSC) member, will present the webinar from 7.00pm to 8.30pm on Wednesday, 12 November.

Dr Linney will explore the types, causes and clinical presentation of congenital heart conditions. This will include diagnostic approaches, treatment pathways and emerging research opportunities.

The session is the third to be organised by The Kennel Club, with the VCS, following an introductory webinar and a talk on acquired heart disease. Dr Linney's webinar consists of a one-hour presentation, followed by a 30-minute question and answer session.

Dr Linney said: "This webinar will be an opportunity to deepen understanding - not just of the diseases themselves, but of how breeders, vets and owners can work together to support affected dogs and improve outcomes for future generations."

Click here to register for the webinar.