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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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Animal Medicines Amnesty returns this November

News Story 1
 Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty.

Organised by the Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA CA&E), the initative is supported by a range of cross-sector organisations.

Practices are encouraged to use the campaign to engage the whole practice team and raise awareness of the safe disposal of medicines with clients. Learn how your practice can get involved at rumacae.org.uk 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
APHA launches free virtual work experience programme

The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA), in collaboration with Springpod, has launched a free virtual work experience programme, giving young people across the UK the chance to explore careers dedicated to protecting animal and plant health.

The on-demand programme offers a unique insight into career opportunities within APHA, showcasing how students can contribute to tackling some of the UK's most critical biosecurity and environmental challenges.

Designed for students aged 13 and over, the course includes more than 10 hours of engaging content featuring real-life industry insights, scenario-based challenges, and practical guidance on applying for jobs. To register for the course, visit the APHA website.