As the number of cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in livestock herds continues to rise, the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Animal Plant Health Inspection Service has issued Center for Veterinary Biologics Notice 24-11: Veterinary Vaccines Targeting Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Livestock on July 23.
The CVB notice provides an update to interested parties regarding veterinary biologics product licensure, including information for evaluation of efficacy, for veterinary biological products used to vaccinate livestock for HPAI H5 clade 2.3.4.4b. This CVB Notice is the third issued by the USDA in support of vaccine research and development. (Previous related notices are CVB Notice 24-06: Availability of Genetic Sequence and Isolate and CVB Notice 24-09: Notification of USDA request for Information for HPAI Vaccines for Use in Cattle.)
According to information released by USDA, the agencies are committed to using every means possible to protect public health, the safety of the food supply and the health and well-being of livestock. USDA believes vaccine research and development are vital to supporting these goals.
In addition to research and development, comprehensive epidemiological investigation and laboratory analysis are being conducted to understand precisely how the H5N1 virus is transmitted so that farmers will understand how to prevent, detect and control its spread.
In parallel with USDA’s regulatory licensure processes working with veterinary biologics manufacturers, USDA has committed $33.65 million of HPAI Commodity Credit Corporation funds to support Agricultural Research Service’s vaccine research and development in cattle, turkeys, pigs and goats. USDA is also making available, through Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services and the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, up to $10 million for HPAI research opportunities, including but not limited to vaccine research, development and evaluation.
Those interested in licensing an H5 HPAI vaccine should contact CVB for further discussion. Visit https://www.aphis.usda.gov/veterinary-biologics/regulations-guidance for more information.
Kylene Scott can be reached at 620-227-1804 or [email protected].
