Develop and commercialize thermostable PPR vaccine
Peste des petits ruminants (PPR), caused by a virus similar to rinderpest is a widespread, virulent and devastating sheep and goat infection with significant economic, food security and livelihood impacts. The disease was first confirmed in Kenya and formally reported to OIE in 2007. The disease is controlled mainly by vaccination using live attenuated vaccines. However, the vaccine currently available is heat labile requiring cold chain handling which is a challenge in ASALS due to vastness and remoteness of these areas and high temperatures. Scientists in ASAL APRP, used technique of Xerovac vaccine dehydration process to prepare a thermostable PPR vaccine that can be stored at ambient temperatures for long periods of time (up to 30 days) without significant loss of potency at room temperature (22-25 oC). At 37 oC the vaccine was viable for 15 days while at 42 oC it was viable for only one day. Efficacy tests in sheep and goats both on station and on some government farms showed good immune response with antibodies detectable up to six months on station. Similar observations were made under field conditions up to three months following vaccination. KALRO has supported the follow up of these studies that require further funding to complete the proof of concept at one year post vaccination. Further studies are required to provide data for the dossier needed to register the vaccine[EA1] product. The following sub-activities are proposed:
- Finalise vaccination trials (monitor vaccine efficacy one year post vaccination)
- Production of a test Batch by KEVEVAPI (as coapplicant will undertake the PPR vaccine development through a direct award)
- Registration and release of Product.