June 13, 2006

Akzo developing bird flu vaccine administered through spraying

Akzo Nobel, the Dutch paint, chemicals and drugs group, Monday (Jun 12) said that it has developed a new bird flu vaccine prototype that can be administered to large flocks through spraying rather than by the usual method of injection. 

Developed by the group's animal healthcare unit Intervet, the new vaccine, which also works against Newcastle disease, is expected to undergo field trials next year.

The prototype is delivered via a mass application tool and could protect large numbers of birds, said the group in a statement

Akzo Nobel is a well-known supplier of paint. In February, it announced plans to spin off its pharmaceutical operations.