Merial’s UK antigen banks play key role in combating FMD spread

Merial has highlighted the role played by its vaccine antigen banks in Pirbright, Surrey in combating this winter's international foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak.

The facility was able to supply 1.2 million doses of FMD vaccines to South Korea last month within six working days of taking orders thanks to the stocks of antigens held at Pirbright, instead of the four-plus months it otherwise would have taken.

Antigens are the active ingredients of vaccines, with a ready access to the compounds being an essential part of combating FMD.

In addition to the South Korean outbreak, Zambia was also heavily affected by the disease during December 2010, making it the most significant epidemic of the last ten years.

Merial Pirbright site director Dr Tim Doel said: "Operations were taking place during a period of heavy snow … We had our work cut out but, I am pleased to say, we met all our obligations."

This comes after Merial announced earlier this month that it is collaborating with GenVec to develop new FMD vaccines based on cost-effective new technology.