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International Partnership Results in New Vaccine for Cattle in Africa

Apr 23, 2018

Media coverage: 

Press release: 

A vaccine against contagious bovine pleuropneumonia (CBPP) developed by the University of Saskatchewan’s VIDO-InterVac, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) has been licensed for commercial production by the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI).

CBPP, an infectious lung disease of cattle, affects the livelihoods of approximately 24 million small-scale cattle farmers in Africa, causing over US$60 million in losses annually.

“It is rewarding to see the results of this partnership. We are proud of the teamwork that enabled the development of this vaccine, and of strengthening the local production capacity in Africa,” said VIDO-InterVac CEO and Director Andrew Potter.

KALRO scientists recently received a public service excellence award from the Kenya Government in recognition of their outstanding commitment to developing the vaccine.

“This is a major milestone for farmers in Africa who have suffered major cattle losses as a result of CBPP-related deaths. We are happy to be part of the team that worked tirelessly to develop the new vaccine,” said KALRO Director General Eliud Kireger.

The work was carried out with financial support from Canada’s International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Global Affairs Canada through the Canadian International Food Security Research Fund.

The new vaccine has demonstrated significant potential for improved stability and for protection against CBPP in trials.

“We believe vaccination is the best way to control CBPP and to improve food security for the small-scale cattle farmers disproportionately affected by this disease. Our objective is to get this vaccine to farmers in Africa as quickly as possible,” said Jane Wachira, CEO of KEVEVAPI.

Commercial development of the vaccine in Kenya has been initiated.