Veterinarians are contacting affected clients and recommending that pet owners get their animals revaccinated
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NEED TO KNOW
• A rabies vaccine recall was issued after some vials were found to contain sterile water instead of the vaccine
• Pet owners are urged to check vaccination records and contact their vet if doses are from the affected batch
• Revaccination is recommended to ensure rabies protection for animals and humans alike
A rabies vaccine recall has been issued after a small number of doses were found to contain sterile water instead of the vaccine.
According to a press release from Boehringer Ingelheim, the animal health company announced earlier this month that it had initiated a voluntary recall of a rabies vaccine. The action comes after "a limited number of vials" were found to contain sterile water, meaning pets who received those specific doses may not have developed rabies protection.
While the company says very few affected vials have been identified to date, it initiated the recall "out of an abundance of caution," noting the decision was made quickly after the issue was discovered. The lot batch is IMRAB 3TF, 1 mL, with serial number 18665 and an expiration date of March 12, 2027.
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"Veterinarians and clinics that received vaccine from this serial have been notified directly," stated the company. Health officials are encouraging pet owners (whose pets received vaccinations after Sept. 29, 2025) to review their pets' vaccination certifications and, if any are from the impacted batch, to contact their vet immediately. Clinics are expected to contact pet owners whose animals may have received a dose from the recalled batch.
Boehringer Ingelheim is also recommending revaccination for any pet that received a vaccine from the affected serial to "avoid gaps in protection, maintain compliance with local rabies regulations, and protect public health."
The voluntary recall is being conducted with the support of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Center for Veterinary Biologics. Boehringer Ingelheim stated that it has also communicated with veterinary officials in states impacted by the recall.
PEOPLE reached out to Boehringer Ingelheim for further comment and confirmation on the states that may be affected.
According to the notice, the impacted batch represents approximately 2.5% of the total IMRAB doses sold annually in the United States in 2025, the company said, emphasizing that the overall impact nationwide is limited.
Rabies vaccines are considered a critical component of routine veterinary care and are required by law in most states. The virus is almost always fatal once symptoms appear and can be transmitted to humans, making prevention central to both animal and public health.
Officials acknowledged that the recall could be significant for the veterinarians, clinics, and pet owners directly affected. Boehringer Ingelheim noted that it is committed to supporting all parties throughout the process.
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