Russian Agency Orders Destruction of ‘Multikan‑8’ Vaccine Batch After Mass Dog Deaths

Rosselkhoznadzor, Russia’s veterinary watchdog, has ordered the recall and destruction of batch No. 20 of the ‘Multikan‑8’ dog vaccine, following reports that at least 300 animals died after vaccination across several regions. The order, sent to the manufacturer Vetbiokhim and posted on the agency’s website, requires the company to destroy the batch and report back. Vetbiokhim had already pulled four earlier batches amid similar concerns. Owners have linked the deaths to possible contamination with the Aujeszky’s disease virus, though the company’s own tests found none and has offered settlements that demand owners waive claims and silence discussion. The Yaroslavl prosecutor’s office and a regional Rosselkhoznadzor office are inspecting Vetbiokhim, but no findings have yet been released. The incident highlights the fragility of Russia’s domestic veterinary supply chain, which has become the sole source of vaccines after Western sanctions eliminated imported products.