Vetbiokhim has confirmed the deaths of 128 dogs after they were given the Multikan-8 vaccine in summer 2026. As of November 10, the manufacturer had received 177 reports from owners and paid compensation in 104 cases; the remaining cases are still being investigated.
What is known about the cases and compensation
According to the company, in 128 reports owners provided documents confirming that their dogs had died as a result of vaccination. Each report concerns one animal. The manufacturer is investigating the remaining cases and gathering the necessary additional information.
Vetbiokhim said it is searching across the country for owners of the deceased animals with the help of veterinary professionals. It is working with them individually to provide compensation for losses and psychological support.
Compensation is paid without going to court. It covers the cost of the vaccine and its administration, veterinary treatment, and the animal’s stay in a clinic. The company also provides separate compensation for moral damages, taking the circumstances of each case into account.
Inspections and regulatory measures
The investigation centers on a batch of the vaccine linked to reports of dog deaths. On September 1, Rosselkhoznadzor launched unscheduled inspections of Multikan-8, and later called for the destruction of batch 20, which was due to expire in January 2028. By then, the manufacturer had recalled several batches and begun an internal investigation.
On September 16, Rosselkhoznadzor said that samples of the vaccine taken in the Yaroslavl Region had been found to contain Aujeszky’s disease virus, which is dangerous to dogs. Vetbiokhim Deputy Director Yevgeny Shmelkov said the batch in question comprised about 50,000 doses; according to him, the company had taken steps to stop the vaccine from being distributed.
Prosecutor’s office and criminal case
The Moscow Prosecutor’s Office began inspecting the manufacturer on September 22. Materials gathered during the inspections were handed over to the preliminary investigation authorities. On October 6, a criminal case was opened over the use of a falsified certificate of quality for a batch of Multikan-8.
These actions concern the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the product and its documentation. The 128 cases confirmed by the company are reports for which, the manufacturer said, it received documents about dogs’ deaths as a result of vaccination; the investigation of the other reports is not yet complete.
Quality control for every batch released
Vetbiokhim Managing Director Sergey Lakhtyukhov said the company was stepping up production controls. It now submits to Rosselkhoznadzor the test results for every batch released, covering all established quality indicators. The manufacturer has also prepared a set of measures aimed at preventing similar cases.
The next practical step is to complete the investigation of the remaining reports and work individually with the owners. The company is continuing to contact them across the country; 104 owners have received payments so far.
Sources
- expert.ru — “Confirms the deaths of 128 dogs due to the Multikan-8 vaccine”
- bg.ru — “Vetbiokhim confirms the deaths of 128 dogs”
- rbc.ru — “Vetbiokhim: Company confirms the deaths of 128 dogs”
- vedomosti.ru — “Lawmakers ask for investigation into dog deaths after Multikan-8 vaccination — Vedomosti”
- versia.ru — “Number of dogs killed by Multikan-8 vaccine revealed”