Animal Health Industry Monitors Availability Of Pharmaceuticals
With known shortages of disposable masks, gowns and caps in the marketplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a related concern is the availability of large animal pharmaceuticals—both prescription-based and over-the-counter (OTC) products.
The availability of 90% to 99% isopropyl alcohol “may be in a little shorter supply but still seems available,” notes Robert J. Callan, DVM, professor and chief of staff for the Large Animal Hospital at the James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Colorado State University. He says the same is true for bleach used as a surface disinfectant.
On a national basis, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports, “No current shortages are reported by any of the 32 animal drug companies that make finished drugs or source active pharmaceutical ingredients in China for the U.S. market, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
“However, six of the firms have indicated that they see supply chain disruptions that soon could lead to shortages.”
Earlier this week, Boehringer Ingelheim’s U.S. Animal Health business issued a formal statement to regarding the availability of veterinary products for cattle, in light of the pandemic.
“The continuous availability of our products to our patients and customers is of utmost priority to us. We have no immediate supply chain issues and do not foresee such problems to arise in the short term due to COVID-19,” the company said.
“Our experts are monitoring the situation very closely and they are also assessing the global supply chain situation very proactively to guarantee the market supply into affected areas and also out of affected areas. Where possible and needed, we activate alternative options to source from elsewhere in the world – either through third-party or through own production.”
Bovine Veterinarian has reached out to other pharmaceutical companies and will update this story as more information becomes available.
Rhonda Brooks
Thu, 03/19/2020 – 11:47
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Coronavirus
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Companies are keeping tabs on prescription-based and over-the-counter products.
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Source: Dairy Herd