For the first time in the world, a live vaccine has been developed that effectively protects against avian influenza and Newcastle disease in poultry, available in various forms: injection, oral, nasal drops, and spray.
The Chinese government has authorized the mass production of this new vaccine by the Harbin Veterinary Research Institute. It is expected that around 1 billion doses will be available by the end of this month. By early 2006, the new vaccine will be widely used in conjunction with other vaccines. “The new vaccine will not be expensive, as its production cost is only one-fifth of that of the vaccines currently on the market,” said Jia Youling, an official from the Veterinary Bureau of the Ministry of Agriculture of China.
Chinese scientists took four years to develop this “multi-functional” vaccine. Test results indicate that it can combat avian influenza in both birds and mammals. The techniques applied in the research and production of this vaccine will also assist scientists in developing vaccines to protect humans against potential avian influenza pandemics, Jia emphasized.
Last month, China announced that it would vaccinate its entire poultry population, estimated at around 14 billion birds—the largest in the world. By mid-December, China had vaccinated 6.85 billion farmed birds. Experts believe that the extensive vaccination campaign has led to only one outbreak this month.
However, Shigeru Omi, the regional director of the World Health Organization, asserted that it is “too early” to conclude that the pandemic has been controlled. He urged China to continue enhancing surveillance and training personnel to respond to the pandemic.
Mỹ Linh (according to AFP)
