The Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) issued a press release on 13 October 2026 warning animal keepers not to buy, sell or exchange leftover bluetongue serotype 3 (BTV-3) vaccines through online marketplaces, social media platforms or private arrangements. Enforcement officers had received reports of keepers buying, selling and exchanging the vaccines on social media.

The VMD said vaccine leaving the authorised supply chain carries no guarantee of correct storage, handling or transport, which could affect its quality, safety and effectiveness. It noted that BTV-3 vaccines are prescription-only veterinary medicines and that animal owners cannot legally supply a veterinary medicine to another animal owner, even if it was prescribed for the recipient.

The agency said keepers should discuss vaccination with their vet, buy online only with a valid prescription from a registered retailer authorised to sell prescription-only veterinary medicines, and check the VMD's register of online retailers. It said vets may administer BTV-3 vaccine from one bottle to animals of different owners if stored correctly and not used beyond the 10-hour broach period, but urged caution given biosecurity concerns. Keepers with leftover vaccine should return it to their veterinary practice, and illegal listings can be reported to the VMD.