Kenya, South Africa unveil new anti-anthrax vaccine


  1. In an effort to contain the resurging cases of anthrax in Kenya, the Veterinary Department has introduced a new vaccine in the east African country.


    The new vaccine, 'Bivax', is manufactured by a leading South African animal health company, Intervet International, officials said here Friday.
     
    The vaccine was launched here Friday at a ceremony attended by farmers, veterinary doctors- both in Government service and in private practice, and institutions offering training in animal health.
     
    The South African company was represented by Dr. Dale Parrish, the business manager in charge of sub-Saharan region who said his organization supplies the vaccine in more than five countries in south and east African regions.
     
    Parrish said the vaccine will be available in 10 ml sachets and will be distributed through a Nairobi based company. Previously, the lowest content was packaged in 50ml containers.
     
    The Kenya Veterinary Association, meanwhile lauded the move, with their representative, Dr. Daniel Karugu saying successive annual animal vaccination campaigns had been in the past hampered by inadequate supply of vaccines.
     
    "Every year, we target 300,000 cattle for vaccination but in some instances we have been unable to vaccinate some targeted animals after running out of the product," he said.
     
    About 50 cases of anthrax outbreak are reported in the country annually, the official disclosed, sometimes with disastrous results. 12 May 2007 - PANA
     

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