Agricultural News
USDA Releases Details of Conditional Release of PEDv Vaccine
Thu, 19 Jun 2014 12:44:08 CDT
The United States Department of Agriculture 's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has issued a conditional license this week to Harrisvaccines, Inc.of Ames, Iowa for a vaccine that may aid in the control of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in swine. This is the first licensed vaccine for PEDv. It will be used to vaccinate sows with the intent that they build antibodies, and transmit those antibodies through their milk to newborn piglets. It is intended to protect the piglets against PEDv.
APHIS licenses veterinary biologics products for use in controlling diseases of animals. Conditional licenses are issued based on full safety, purity testing, and an expectation of efficacy. Preliminary studies have been promising, and they've shown sufficient data that APHIS thinks the vaccine will be effective. The company will continue working toward completing the requirements for a full license. In the meantime, there are no restrictions on vaccine use under the conditional license.
APHIS supports and encourages the rapid development of new vaccines, particularly in emergency situations. When a company obtains a c onditional license they are able to bring an important disease management tool to producers safely and quickly. Full licensing can occur subsequently while producers get the products they need to protect animal health.
Porcine epidemic diarrhea is a disease that causes significant sickness in swine, affecting their growth and health, and causes high mortality in piglets. The disease is common in parts of Asia and Europe, but is not reportable to the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). PEDv only affects pigs and does not pose any risk to people or pets. It is not a food safety concern. Licensing this vaccine is another step APHIS is taking to continue to help the pork industry and producers.
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