Critical Vaccine Shortages in Russias Veterinary Sector Spark Concerns Over Animal Health

Veterinary clinics in Russia are experiencing a significant shortage of vaccines for cats and dogs, as reported by pro-Kremlin outlet Izvestia on Thursday. The information comes from a letter issued by the National Veterinary Chamber (NVC), which represents both veterinarians and pet owners.

The NVC indicated that the availability of vaccines in veterinary clinics has plummeted by two to three times compared to 2024 levels.

In its correspondence, the NVC calls for action from the Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection Service and the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighting substantial supply issues from manufacturers.

“The shortage has led to long waiting lists at clinics, with some reporting between 200 to 300 pets awaiting vaccination when there are only 10 to 20 doses available,” the letter states.

Distribution companies have corroborated the sharp decline in vaccine shipments from producers.

VetExpert, an animal clinic, noted that “the accessibility of vaccines for cats and dogs is approaching a critical situation.” They highlighted that foreign vaccines are often out of stock, and “deliveries of Russian-made products are inconsistent.”

Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, numerous foreign pharmaceutical companies, including those that manufacture animal vaccines, have exited the Russian market, placing extra pressure on domestic suppliers.

The NVC cautioned that the vaccine deficit could lead to a “significant rise in infectious diseases — some of which are transferable to humans, including canine distemper, parvovirus in dogs, feline panleukopenia, calicivirus, rabies, and leptospirosis.”

The Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection Service confirmed receipt of the NVC’s letter and mentioned plans to host an online meeting with manufacturers and distributors to tackle the issue.

However, the Ministry of Agriculture has denied any vaccine shortage, describing the situation as “stable.”

In its statement, the ministry asserted, “There are 90 domestic manufacturers engaged in vaccine production. Of the 2,457 veterinary drugs registered in Russia, 1,578 are produced domestically, including 368 vaccines. These manufacturers are delivering pharmaceuticals at the usual pace, without any delays or disruptions in shipments.”

The ministry assured the NVC that “domestic substitutes are available for in-demand foreign vaccines.” They also pointed out that imports of certain foreign vaccines were halted due to what they considered unsatisfactory manufacturing practices from those producers.

The NVC warned that the lack of available vaccines is fueling the rise of an illegal market and driving up costs for pet owners.