Pfizer Animal Health is the first biologics manufacturer to develop, manufacture and receive approval from the U.S. Department of Agriculture USDA) for its new H1N1 vaccine.
Pfizer’s swine influenza virus (SIV) vaccine, pH1N1 Killed Virus, has been approved by USDA for vaccination of healthy swine, including pregnant sows and gilts, 3 weeks of age and older against the SIV subtype H1N1.
Earlier this year, the USDA provided a master seed of the pH1N1 (pandemic) strain to multiple manufacturing companies in anticipation of potential transmission in swine herds. So far pork producers have not detected widespread movement of the pH1N1 strain within swine herds.
“This gives us hope that this pH1N1 strain can be managed by producers like any other seasonal swine flu strain in pigs,” says Gloria Basse, senior director of the U.S. swine business for Pfizer Animal Health.
Pork producers are advised to consult their veterinarian about possible use of this new conditionally-licensed vaccine, and continue to follow American Association of Swine Veterinarians and National Pork Producers Council recommendations for routine measures of flu prevention.
Pfizer has banked adequate supplies of this new vaccine for use in major pork-producing states. Local use of the new pH1N1 vaccine, however, requires the approval of state veterinarians. Pfizer is working on state approvals.
“Our new conditionally-licensed pH1N1 vaccine adds another valuable swine influenza management tool to Pfizer Animal Health’s FluSure XP Defense System toolbox,” says Steve Sornsen, DVM, director of veterinary services for Pfizer Animal Health.
“This new vaccine was developed from the USDA master seed virus and helps protect pigs against current pH1N1 strains circulating in humans and pigs. Serologic studies in pigs vaccinated with this vaccine showed an increase in antibody titers against the pandemic H1N1 strain,” he explains.
The new Pfizer vaccine is a freeze-dried preparation containing the A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) isolate and requires a 2-ml dose and a booster after three weeks. The vaccine is available in 50-dose and 250-dose sizes.
It also contains Amphigen to help stimulate immune responses using the animal’s natural defense system to rapidly fight disease.
The vaccine is conditionally licensed because efficacy and/or potency have not been fully demonstrated.
To learn more about this new vaccine, talk with your veterinarian or local Pfizer Animal Health representative, or visit www.FluSureXP.com.