The All-Russian Research Institute of Animal Health has patented a fourth vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease serotype SAT-2, one of the most dangerous virus variants widely spread across Africa, the press service of Rosselkhoznadzor (the Russian agricultural watchdog) reported.
The inactivated emulsion vaccine against foot-and-mouth disease genotype SAT-2/VII/Ghb-12 has undergone trials confirming its safety, avirulence and high immunogenicity. The drug ensures a pronounced and long-lasting immune response in farm animals, the statement said. It was noted that the vaccine will become an important tool for ensuring Russia’s biological security and preventing the introduction of infectious strains.
Foot-and-mouth disease is a highly contagious viral infection of cloven-hoofed animals—cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and wild ruminants. There are 7 serotypes of the foot-and-mouth disease virus, including SAT 2, which itself has 14 distinctly different topotypes (linked to specific geographical areas). Vaccination is only effective if the drug used matches the specific topotype. Thus, the obtained patent strengthens the vaccine bank of drugs against serotype SAT 2.
Rosselkhoznadzor emphasized that outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease genotype SAT 2 continue to be recorded in many countries, including previously unaffected regions.
