The National Office of Animal Health (NOAH) is pushing for animal vaccination to be a post-pandemic priority as part of its inoculation campaign.
The #VaccinesWork campaign was launched today (20 April), to tie in with World Animal Vaccination Day.
The campaign focuses on the importance of innovation to produce new vaccines and education on how the animal industry and owners can work together to improve the uptake of those already available to protect UK animals.
“The Covid-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on the importance of vaccination in helping to protect us from disease and to reduce the transmission of infection,” said NOAH chief executive Dawn Howard.
“It has shown how industry can work alongside others to address threats from emerging diseases – it has undoubtedly helped improve public understanding of the importance of vaccination.
“Our industry can respond to emerging animal diseases, helping slow or even halt their transmission, including through the development of new, innovative vaccines.”
She said a forthcoming review of the UK veterinary regulatory process this year is an opportunity to ensure the country “can incentivise innovation, product research and development, including for novel vaccines”.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
Following concerns raised on social media, H&H sought guidance from the British Equine Veterinary Association on whether owners should be
“But we already have access to a wide range of vaccines to tackle existing endemic diseases, for both farm animals and pets,” she added.
“Vaccines have already changed the face of disease prevention like no other discovery. Despite people’s awareness of benefits, not every animal is protected, and we will be working to help increase the number of animals that are, to improve their welfare and quality of life.
“As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, it is right that animal vaccination should be a priority in the UK and globally. Because after all, #VaccinesWork.”
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.
