There have been reports that vets in the UK are currently being hit by a shortage of cat vaccines, and many vet practices have made the decision to postpone vaccination appointments, so we explore this issue in more detail below.
Why is there a shortage of cat vaccines in the UK?
It is thought that the shortage is happening for a number of reasons:
Increased pet ownership
There has been a boom in the number of people owning pets in the UK as a result of lockdown restrictions and more time spent at home, which is putting a lot of strain on vets and medical supplies for animals.
Delays caused by COVID-19
It is also thought that the vaccine shortage has come as a result of high demand after the coronavirus lockdown – vets are now clearing the backlog of regular vet appointments and checkups where animals would typically get their vaccinations.
Supply chain issues
There may also be a link to the overall supply chain issues that are affecting the UK after departing the European union, as transport of goods becomes disrupted.
Shortage of materials
Another potential cause is a shortage of vaccine packaging materials such as glass vials, as there is currently high demand in human populations due to COVID-19.
Which vaccines are affected?
The vaccines in question are the yearly vaccinations that are given to cats to protect against diseases such as cat flu and feline leukaemia virus (FeLV).
Should we be concerned?
The British Veterinary Assoication (BVA) is reassuring pet owners that there is no need for concern as the delay should only be in the short-term. Some veterinary practices have warned their customers that there will be a delay of three months for their pets but protection should still remain in this time as it is generally considered safe to leave a gap of up to 15 months.
This is placing additional responsibility on the shoulders of vets, however, who must liaise with vaccine suppliers to manage the situation. They may also need to prioritise the allocations of vaccines in the short term according to the level of risk to the cat. These will likely go to kittens requiring their initial courses and cats moving from a multi-cat household to a cattery.
Vets are hopeful that this shortage is only a short-term situation but there are some fears that it could continue.
Vet shortage
As we mentioned in a previous blog, there is also currently a vet recruitment crisis in the UK, which is perhaps more worrying. It is a difficult time for the industry as a whole, and more vets are required to mediate these problems but the pressures mean that many are leaving the profession.
There needs to be a focus on retaining veterinary staff and providing them with a reason to stay in the job or this crisis will only continue!
If you are a veterinary practice looking for staff, or a vet looking for a new job, please do feel free to browse our listing or, alternatively, get in touch with us to see how we can help.