Merial acts to help out in Orf vaccine crisis

Merial Animal Health, which does not usually sell an orf vaccine in the UK, has been working with vets and the VMD to find a solution to the current crisis surrounding the shortage of vaccine in the UK. Working in co-operation with the VMD, Merial has been able to import orf vaccine in order to satisfy Special Import certificates issued by the VMD to veterinary practices.

Merial’s Product Manager Kathryn England said: "We have had a lot of comments from vets and farmers with regard to potential animal welfare issues surrounding orf, and the current shortage of vaccine. As a result of these requests we have moved quickly and, working in cooperation with vets and the VMD, have arranged a Special Import Licence, and secured a substantial number of doses of an alternative vaccine originally allocated for the French market. We have already supplied an initial batch in to the UK this week and expect to take delivery of additional supplies in the coming weeks. Nevertheless we cannot guarantee that we will be able to meet all the needs in the market resulting from the shortage of the original vaccine."

Vets who wish to use this alternative vaccine can check on the availability of supplies with Merial through its Customer Support Centre on 0800 592699. However, before ordering they will need to obtain a Special Import Certificate from the VMD and be able to provide a copy of this at the point of ordering.