September 15, 2005

Thailand makes progress in bird flu vaccine for animals

Thailand has reportedly achieved progress in its research on a bird flu vaccine for animals.

Laboratory trials have shown that the vaccine was able to kill the H5N1 strain of the virus, reports said. However, a researcher involved said the vaccine's effectiveness on the body mechanism involved in killing the virus was still unclear, and needed further study.

Lower production costs, better and longer lasting immune system stimulation, longer shelf life and safe use, were some advantages of the new vaccine cited by the researcher.

However, he added more advanced laboratory facilities currently unavailable in Thailand, were needed to prove the final results of the trials.