Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Accepted
Develop a long-term strategy for securing adequate animal vaccine supply to the UK
Conclusion
The Department does not have a strategy to tackle shortages in animal vaccines. Vaccines play an important role in preventative health and disease control programmes in animals, including managing antimicrobial resistance. However, there have increasingly been 5 supply shortages of animal vaccines in the past two years, affected by global market issues and limited incentives for the private sector. We are concerned about the lack of a UK strategy to address these problems and ensure vaccines are available. In September 2025, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate published a Statement of Intent on UK Veterinary Vaccine Availability. We are also concerned about the future efficacy of policy changes for managing Bovine TB. The badger cull, which we understand seems to have been effective in reducing Bovine TB, has been largely terminated. Yet, a new cattle vaccine seems to be years away. This hiatus leaves farmers in a very difficult position with the prospect of TB reactors becoming worse again. recommendation Building on the Veterinary Medicines Directorate’s Statement of Intent, the Department should, working with the Veterinary Medicines Directorate and other stakeholders, develop over the next year a long- term strategy and plan for securing adequate animal vaccine supply to the UK.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees and commits to publishing a five-year multi-stakeholder Action Plan for securing adequate animal vaccine supply in late 2026, with Defra working with VMD on its development. It also highlights ongoing efforts like expediting a Bluetongue 3 vaccine and progress on a Bovine TB cattle vaccine application.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. vaccine availability outlines a strategic framework for cross-sector action. VMD is continuing cross-sector engagement to identify ways to improve supply and enable future innovation (involving government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, vet groups and broader animal health community). A five-year multi-stakeholder Action Plan will be published late 2026. Defra will work with VMD as the plan is developed. In parallel, mitigations for urgent availability issues are being identified and actioned. Action has already been taken to secure animal vaccine supply to the UK. For example, in 2024, Defra worked with manufacturers, industry and the VMD to expedite emergency use of a Bluetongue 3 vaccine and subsequently to manage supply challenges. Defra supported the joint industry-government avian influenza vaccine taskforce (the Taskforce) to look at the emerging use of HPAI vaccines. A report published by the Taskforce on 24 July 2025 provisionally recommends a future species-specific vaccination strategy, and a trial in turkeys. The Taskforce has committed to publish a subsequent report in Summer 2026. In relation to vaccine development work for Bovine TB, an application for approval of the Cattle BCG vaccine was made in September 2025 and is being assessed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate according to published timelines. APHA continues work towards generation of data for the bovine TB cattle vaccine skin test which involves a commercial contract and tender exercise.