What is the Equivac HeV Hendra virus vaccine for horses?
The Equivac HeV Hendra virus vaccine for horses is a 1mL vaccine, which aids in the prevention of Hendra virus infection in horses from four months of age. Equivac HeV is a ‘subunit’ vaccine, meaning it contains only a small part of the Hendra virus; a protein from the virus surface. The product is being sold under permit issued by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) Permit PER13510 dated 3 August 2012.
How does the Equivac HeV Hendra virus vaccine for horses work?
The vaccine stimulates the production of protective antibodies. If the horse is subsequently exposed to Hendra virus, the antibodies will bind the viral particles preventing them from establishing an active infection in the horse. The viral particles bound to the antibody are then further processed by the immune system and eliminated.
How is the vaccine administered?
Only approved veterinarians can administer the vaccine by injection into the muscles on the side of the neck. Two 1mL doses are given at an interval of three weeks, and antibodies are generated within three weeks of the second vaccine dose being given.
How effective is the vaccine?
Initial trials have shown complete protection when vaccinated horses were exposed to an otherwise lethal dose of the Hendra virus.
Can the Equivac HeV cause the Hendra virus?
No, the vaccine is not live and cannot cause infection in horses. Live virus is not used at any stage in manufacturing this vaccine.
Where can horse owners go for more information?
Horse owners should speak to their vet for more information on the Equivac HeV or visit www.Health4Horses.com.au.
For further information, pre-recorded video footage or an interview, please contact:
Katherine Barbeler
Weber Shandwick
kbarbeler@webershandwick.com
02 9994 4406 / 0439 941 632
Andrés López-Varela
Weber Shandwick
alopez-varela@webershandwick.com
02 9994 4476 / 0405 631 945
Hannah Rayment
Weber Shandwick
hrayment@webershandwick.com
02 9994 4492 / 0425 329 921
About Pfizer Animal Health Australia Pty Ltd
Pfizer Animal Health is committed to the health and wellbeing of animals, through providing reliable and effective medications for companion animals. We take pride in being leaders in animal healthcare and providing innovative solutions to challenging health issues. We have a leading portfolio of medicines that prevent, treat and cure diseases across a broad range of therapeutic areas, and an industry-leading pipeline of promising new products in current and future areas of medicine. Pfizer has Australian-based research and manufacturing facilities as well as major locations in the US, Asia and Europe so we can deliver quality products with a focus on Australian needs. Pfizer Australia is the largest animal health company in Australia, with a base in Sydney and a large team of field based representatives and veterinarians.
About CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL)
CSIRO’s Australian Animal Health Laboratory (AAHL) is a front line defence, helping to protect Australia from the threat of exotic and emerging animal diseases. The Laboratory combines a capacity to rapidly diagnose animal diseases with high quality research.
AAHL is the most sophisticated laboratory in the world for the safe handling and containment of animal diseases and was custom-built to ensure the containment of the most infectious agents known. For the past quarter of a century the Laboratory has played a vital role in protecting Australia from biosecurity threats and risks posed by serious exotic and endemic diseases.
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About Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine
The Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc. (HJF) is a private, notfor-profit organization established in 1983 and authorized by U.S Congress to support medical research and education at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and throughout the military medical community. For more information, visit www.hjf.org
About Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences is the United States’ federal health sciences university. USU students are primarily active-duty uniformed officers in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Public Health Service who have received specialized education in tropical and infectious diseases, preventive medicine, the neurosciences (to include TBI and PTSD), disaster response and humanitarian assistance, and acute trauma care. A large percentage of the university’s nearly 5,000 physician and 500 advanced practice nursing alumni have provided support, leadership and expertise to operations in Iraq, Afghanistan and throughout the globe. The University is committed to excellence in research with graduate programs in biomedical sciences and public health open to civilian and military applicants that have awarded more than 400 doctoral and 800 masters degrees to date. For more information, visit www.usuhs.mil.
About Australian Veterinary Association
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national organisation representing veterinarians in Australia. Its 7500 members come from all fields within the veterinary profession. Clinical practitioners work with companion animals, horses, farm animals, including cattle and sheep, and wildlife. Government veterinarians work with our animal health, public health and quarantine systems while other members work in industry for pharmaceutical and other commercial enterprises. We have members who work in research and teaching in a range of scientific disciplines. Veterinary students are also members of the Association.