Recalled rabies vaccines shipped to RI veterinarians may contain sterile water

The recalled vaccines were manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and shipped between September 2025 and January 2026.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management are warning pet owners, animal control officers, and veterinarians about a shipment of rabies vaccines that may have contained sterile water instead of actual doses. The recalled vaccines were manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and shipped to veterinarians in Rhode Island between September 29, 2025 and January 8, 2026.

Why it matters

Rabies is a potentially deadly viral disease that typically spreads through the saliva of an infected animal. Rhode Island law requires dogs, cats, and ferrets to be vaccinated against rabies, not only to prevent them from contracting the disease, but also to stop the spread to humans and other pets. This recall raises concerns about the effectiveness of the rabies vaccinations administered during this time period.

The details

The impacted shipment has a lot number of IMRAB 3TF and bears serial number 18665. The recalled rabies vaccines each contain 1-milliliter doses and have an expiration date of March 12, 2027. No other manufacturers, brands or other products made by Boehringer Ingelheim are affected by this recall. Veterinarians who received the recalled vaccine shipment have been notified by the manufacturer and instructed to contact the owners of pets who were immunized with a recalled dose.

  • The recalled rabies vaccines were shipped to veterinarians in Rhode Island between September 29, 2025 and January 8, 2026.
  • The recalled vaccines have an expiration date of March 12, 2027.

The players

Rhode Island Departments of Health and Environmental Management

The state agencies that are warning pet owners, animal control officers and veterinarians about the recalled rabies vaccines.

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

The manufacturer of the recalled rabies vaccines that were shipped to veterinarians in Rhode Island.

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What’s next

Veterinarians who received the recalled vaccine shipment have been notified by the manufacturer and instructed to contact the owners of pets who were immunized with a recalled dose. Animal control officers and municipal clerks have also been notified for rabies management and dog licensing purposes.

The takeaway

This recall highlights the importance of proper vaccine storage and handling, as well as the need for pet owners to stay up-to-date on their animals' rabies vaccinations. It also underscores the critical role that veterinarians, animal control officers, and state health agencies play in protecting public health and preventing the spread of deadly diseases like rabies.