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VMD reports drug supply problems
The VMD has revealed that there are currently supply problems with a number of veterinary products. (Stock photo)
Directorate provides advice on alternative products 

The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has revealed there are currently supply problems with a number of veterinary products, including leptospirosis vaccines for cattle and local anaesthetic products containing procaine hydrochloride.

Supply problems exist for the following products:

Vaccines for Leptospira hardjo and Leptospira borgpetersenii
There are supply issues with two leptospirosis vaccines authorised in the UK for use in cattle. Supply problems are expected to be resolved in October 2019. In the meantime, the VMD is accepting applications to import an EU alternative, BioBos L. injection suspension for cattle, which is licensed in the Czech Republic, and Spirovac, which is licensed in the USA.

Local anaesthetic products containing procaine hydrochloride
VMD said it is aware of UK availability issues with some of these products. Information on authorised products are available on the VMD’s product information database. Suppliers have advised that the UK authorised Pronestesic 40mg/ml / 0.036mg/ml Solution for Injection for Horses, Cattle, Pigs and Sheep, is available to meet present demand.

Viper Venom Antiserum for veterinary use (adder bite antivenom)
There are no viper venom antiserums licensed in the UK for treating adder bites in animals. VMD accepts applications to import European Viper Antiserum from Biomed (Poland) and the Institute of Immunology, Zagreb (Croatia). VMD said anyone wishing to import should contact the manufacturer before submitting an application to ensure they can supply the quantity needed.

In urgent cases, antivenom may be supplied, purchased and used prior to the special treatment certificate being obtained from the VMD.

ACP injection 10mg/ml solution for injection
This product is indicated for anaesthetic premedication, tranquillisation and sedation in horses. It is not known when stocks will be available. Applications are currently accepted to import this product for use in horses only. Two EU alternatives are available - Calmivet solution for injection (5mg/ml) and Vetranquil 1% solution for injection (10mg/ml).


For information on prescribing under the cascade, visit the VMD’s website.

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Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
NSA webinar explores sheep tailing and castration

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is to host a free webinar on the castration and tail docking of lambs.

The webinar, 'Understanding the tailing and castration consultation: A guide for sheep farmers', will be hosted online on Monday, 2 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

It comes during a government consultation into the methods used for these procedures. Farmers are encouraged to engage before the consultation period closes on Monday, 9 March 2026.

The webinar offers clear and actionable guidance to support farmers to contribute meaningfully to the consultation and prepare for potential changes.

On the panel will be former SVS president Kate Hovers, farmer and vet Ann Van Eetvelt and SRUC professor in Animal Health and Veterinary Sciences Cathy Dwyer. Each panel member will utilise their own specialism and expertise to evaluate risks and outcomes to sheep farming.

Find out more about the webinar on the NSA website.