diff --git a/oslo_utils/netutils.py b/oslo_utils/netutils.py
index 7e14d57..eae0d87 100644
--- a/oslo_utils/netutils.py
+++ b/oslo_utils/netutils.py
@@ -151,7 +151,7 @@ def get_ipv6_addr_by_EUI64(prefix, mac):
     .. versionadded:: 1.4
     """
     # Check if the prefix is an IPv4 address
-    if netaddr.valid_ipv4(prefix):
+    if is_valid_ipv4(prefix):
         msg = _("Unable to generate IP address by EUI64 for IPv4 prefix")
         raise ValueError(msg)
     try:
diff --git a/oslo_utils/tests/test_netutils.py b/oslo_utils/tests/test_netutils.py
index 823c502..9787d55 100644
--- a/oslo_utils/tests/test_netutils.py
+++ b/oslo_utils/tests/test_netutils.py
@@ -317,6 +317,12 @@ class IPv6byEUI64TestCase(test_base.BaseTestCase):
         self.assertRaises(TypeError, lambda:
                           netutils.get_ipv6_addr_by_EUI64(prefix, mac))
 
+    def test_generate_IPv6_with_empty_prefix(self):
+        mac = '00:16:3e:33:44:55'
+        prefix = ''
+        self.assertRaises(ValueError, lambda:
+                          netutils.get_ipv6_addr_by_EUI64(prefix, mac))
+
 
 @contextlib.contextmanager
 def mock_file_content(content):