Animal keepers are being urged not to buy, sell, or exchange leftover bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines via online marketplaces, social media, or private arrangements. The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) has received reports of such activities.
The VMD states that the sale or transfer of surplus vaccine poses significant risks to animal health. There is no guarantee that products stored, handled, or transported outside the authorised supply chain will maintain their quality, safety, and effectiveness.
BTV-3 vaccines are prescription-only veterinary medicines and are subject to strict legal controls. Animal owners are not legally permitted to supply veterinary medicine to another animal owner, even if it was prescribed by a vet for the recipient.
Animal keepers should discuss BTV-3 vaccination with their vet. If buying vaccines online, a valid prescription is required, and purchases should only be made from registered online retailers authorised to sell prescription-only veterinary medicines.
Veterinary surgeons may administer vaccine from a single bottle to animals of different owners, provided the bottle is stored correctly and used within the 10-hour broach period. However, animal keepers must not pass on, sell, or supply vaccine to other keepers, as this is unlawful and bypasses safeguards.
The VMD also advises caution when medicines are opened or decanted, as this can increase the risk of product degradation and affect vaccine quality, safety, and efficacy. Leftover vaccines should be returned to a veterinary practice for appropriate disposal.
The VMD encourages reporting of any potential illegal online listings of BTV-3 vaccines via their online reporting tool or by phone.