Lack of vaccines means emigrants risk losing pets

Every year hundreds of pets are flown overseas to join their New Zealand owners who are emigrating offshore. But before they go, pets need certain shots, especially if they're travelling to countries that have rabies - a disease that can and does kill.

But what happens if that all important vaccine simply isn't available?
Are owners are simply forced to leave their best friend behind?

Well around the country that's the dilemma pet owners are facing right now.

A Jack Russell from Kaikoura was unable to travel overseas because of the lack of a vaccine because the vaccine manufacturer was upgrading their plant.

Attempts to get the vaccine in from Australia have also failed.

Assured Quality has said they have found an alternative rabies vaccine which should be in New Zealand in a month.

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