France - Merial vaccine bank enables rapid response to foot-and-mouth outbreak in Turkey
Published:March 15, 2006
Source :Merial
In a little over two weeks, Merial manufactured and delivered 2.5 million doses of Aftovaxpur® foot-and-mouth vaccine to check an outbreak in Turkey. The order came from the European Commission, concerned at the threat to European Union countries. The vaccines were made from a bank of antigens (pre-formulation vac-cines) that Merial maintains on behalf of the EU at Lyon (France).
The outbreak was identified on January 21 in the village of Nadirli, Kirklareli province, North-West Turkey. Merial received the order for vaccines on February 10. In order to supply the vaccines, it first had to thaw the antigens appropriate for the three foot-and-mouth virus strains identified by the Turkish government. The antigens are kept at a temperature of -120°C, which ensures they can be stored for five years. By February 24, Merial had formulated, bottled and packed the 2.5 mil-lion doses. Three days later they were being distributed in Kirklareli.
Merial was only able to respond so quickly because of its 33 million dose stock of foot-and-mouth antigens held on behalf of the European Commission for just such emergencies. Banks are also held by Merial on behalf of 26 countries from various parts of the world. These banks have shown the worth in recent years. As well as responding to previous Turkish outbreaks in 2000 and 2003, Merial has also drawn on its banks for outbreaks in South Korea in 2002; Belgium, the Germany, Hungary and Czech Republic in 2001; and South Korea and Japan in 2000.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease is a highly contagious epidemic disease affecting cattle, sheep, goats and pigs (that are frequent vectors). Caused by an Aphthovirus (of the Picornaviridae family), a number of strains have been identified. The disease incurs extreme and lasting weight loss in the adult and high mortality in young animals. Economic repercussions for affected countries are severe, as to contain the epizootic, infected herds must be culled, on top of which comes the cost of bio-security measures. The vaccine against Foot-and Mouth Disease is highly effective and is frequently administered throughout an entire affected region or country, parallel to culling of infected herds and to restriction of moving.
“Serious threats like foot-and-mouth need a fast response. It was only because both the EU and Merial were well prepared that it was possible to tackle this out-break so quickly. It demonstrates the value of antigen banks”, said Carolin Schumacher, Merial Grandes Prophylaxies Manager, who added: “In doing so, Merial is accomplishing its role in the service of animal health, breeders and the economy”.
Merial is a world-leading, innovation-driven animal health company, providing a comprehensive range of products to enhance the health, well-being and performance of a wide range of animals. Merial employs approximately 5,000 people and operates in more than 150 countries worldwide. Its 2005 sales were in excess of $1.9 billion. Merial Limited is a joint venture between Merck & Co. and sanofi-aventis.
