Table 1. Weak links in the supply chain of existing animal vaccines according to the different disease categories.

Increased level of weakness is represented by a larger number of +.

Vaccine supply chain Disease categories	Manufacturing	Distribution	Commercial use	SHFs/ MPs use
Cause economic losses also in developed countries	−1	−	−	++
Cause economic losses only in developing countries	+++2	++	++3	+++
Diseases controlled by governments	+4	?5	+6	+++
Neglected diseases	+++7 (likely to increase)	+++	N/A	+++++

¹Not considered a weak link.

²Usually vaccines for this group of diseases are produced by local or regional manufacturers and not by large multinational companies. In most cases, there are few manufacturers and not sufficient production capacity to meet the demand.

³Commercial farmers usually will find a way to access the vaccines they need and may buy them directly from the manufacturer or the importer.

⁴These vaccines are produced by local manufacturers but can also be produced by large multinational companies and be imported. In many instances, they are procured through tenders.

⁵Distribution depends on government strategies.

⁶In some countries, farmers need to have a certificate of vaccination in order to sell the animals, so they are compelled to pay for the vaccine and will establish a supply mechanism.

⁷ There are only one, or a few manufacturers at global level, and for some products, continuity of production is at risk due to a lack of demand.

Abbreviations: MPs, marginalized populations; N/A, not applicable; SHFs, smallholder farmers.