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EAE vaccine hit by supply issues
"We encourage all farmers to consult their vet and explore alternative means of safeguarding the health of their flocks during this period" – Rory Geary.

Shortages are expected to last for two to three weeks.

Ceva Animal Health has announced that there will be supply issues towards the end of the main vaccination season with the Cevac Chlamydia vaccine, which protects sheep against enzootic abortion of ewes (EAE).

The shortage, which is predicted to last for two to three weeks, is being blamed on delays in the manufacturing and distribution process.

Supply issues had been expected. Back in March, Ceva warned about potential shortages, urging farmers to make sure that their ewes were vaccinated early to avoid being affected by supply problems later in the year.

Ceva has said that the problem is expected to be temporary and it will be taking steps to minimise the impact on customers.

Rory Geary, Ceva Animal Health’s regional director for Northern Europe, said: “In collaboration with relevant stakeholders, we have implemented comprehensive contingency plans to optimise the manufacturing and distribution process.

"Our dedicated team is working closely with our partners to resolve the challenges and restore normal supply levels as soon as possible. The vaccine challenge is being treated with the utmost urgency, and we are actively exploring alternative sourcing options to supplement the existing supply chain.”

EAE is one of the most commonly diagnosed causes of abortion in ewes, with the cost to the UK sheep industry estimated to be up to £20 million a year.

Farmers who are unable to vaccinate their sheep due to the shortage are being encouraged to speak to their veterinary surgeon.

Mr Geary added: “We anticipate that the delay in supply will be resolved in the near future, however we recognise that for some farmers the supply will arrive too late for them to use.

"We encourage all farmers to consult their vet and explore alternative means of safeguarding the health of their flocks during this period. We recommend implementing robust biosecurity measures and adhering to existing vaccination protocols for other preventable diseases to ensure the overall wellbeing of livestock.

“We will provide vet practices and the wider industry with regular updates as we progress toward a resolution and return to normal supply levels.”

 

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
UK's BSE risk status downgraded

The WOAH has downgraded the UK's international risk status for BSE to 'negligible'.

Defra says that the UK's improved risk status recognises the reputation for having the highest standards for biosecurity. It adds that it demonstrates decades of rigorous animal control.

Outbreaks of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy, also known as mad cow disease, have previously resulted in bans on Britain's beef exports.

The UK's new status could lead to expanded trade and better confidence in British beef.

Christine Middlemiss, the UK's chief veterinary officer, said: "WOAH's recognition of the UK as negligible risk for BSE is a significant milestone and is a testament to the UK's strong biosecurity measures and the hard work and vigilance of farmers and livestock keepers across the country who have all played their part in managing the spread of this disease.