Pfizer Receives USDA For Vaccination Of Healthy Swine

Pfizer Animal Health has reported that its swine influenza vaccine, pH1N1, has been approved by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) for vaccination of healthy swine, including pregnant sows and gilts, three weeks of age or older against SIV subtype H1N1.

Earlier this year, the USDA has provided a master seed of the pH1N1 strain to multiple manufacturers in anticipation of potential transmission in swine herds. Producers today have not detected widespread transmission of the pH1N1 strain within swine herds.

The company has built an adequate inventory of the new vaccine to ensure supply in key pork-producing states. Local use of the new pH1N1 vaccine requires the approval of state veterinarians and Pfizer Animal Health is working to achieve state-by-state approvals.

The company claims that it’s new vaccine is a freeze-dried preparation containing the A/California/04/2009 (H1N1) isolate and requires a 2ml dose and a booster after three weeks. The new vaccine is available in 50-dose and 250-dose sizes. It also contains Amphigen to help stimulate immune responses, using the animal’s natural defense system to rapidly fight disease. Amphigen was developed for syringeability at any temperature, making vaccination easier.

Gloria Basse, senior director of the US swine business for Pfizer Animal Health, said: “This gives us hope that this pH1N1 strain can be managed by producers like any other seasonal swine flu strain in pigs.”