April 18, 2011
 

Merial uses antigen banks to provide FMD vaccines swiftly

When an outbreak occurs, and the decision to vaccinate is being made, antigen banks allow Merial to get into action immediately and transform antigens into finished products quickly.

Antigens are the active ingredients of vaccines. On behalf of various governments, Merial holds ranges of them in readiness in ultra-cold temperature banks. Each bank is tailored to the specific requirements of its owner, as FMD strains evolve and vary around the world.

Merial's Vaccine Centre at Pirbright, Surrey, has long been home to a number of important stores of FMD antigens. Last year it was joined by Merial Lelystad, in the Netherlands, which adds further antigen bank capacity to existing sites in France and the UK.

In 2010, carrying on into 2011, Merial activated banks and emergency vaccine shipments in response to outbreaks in Mongolia, the Middle East, Japan, Zambia and South Korea. Having a dedicated bank meant Merial supplied 1.2 million doses to South Korea within six working days from orders being placed.

In total Merial supplied 17.9 million doses to South Korea over a 12 week period and it fulfilled nearly two-thirds of the government's initial requirements and was more than enough to vaccinate at least every animal in the country with one primary dose of high potency AFTOPOR vaccine.