France - Intervet supplies Avian Influenza vaccine to French Government

The French Ministry of Agriculture announced the intention to vaccinate outdoor ducks against Avian Influenza in three western parts of France (Landes, Loire atlantique and Vendée). The French Ministry sees these regions at risk for transmission of the influenza virus by migrating birds. The Ministry has requested approval from the European Commission for these plans. Intervet will supply at least 30 million doses, a substantial part of the vaccine tender called by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Early next week the first delivery of Nobilis Influenza (H5N2) will be supplied by Intervet to prevent the Avian Influenza strain (H5N1) that has been identified in migrating birds in Western Europe. Intervet’s vaccine has been used extensively and very successfully in vaccination campaigns against Avian Influenza all over the world and also as part of governmental Avian Influenza control programs. In France and in the United Kingdom Intervet has obtained a provisional Marketing Authorization. Experience has shown that vaccination protects chickens and ducks against virus transmission from infected vaccinated animals to non-vaccinated animals. Therefore vaccination substantially contributes to the reduction of virus circulation in the areas in question. However, vaccination will only contribute to bird flu eradication if embedded in an overall control program. Intervet routinely produces avian influenza vaccines, which protect against the H5, H7 and H9 bird flu strains (Intervet vaccine strains: H5N2, H5N6, H7N1, H7N7 and H9N2).