In a notable advancement for animal health in Argentina, Laboratorio CDV has achieved a groundbreaking milestone. The company has become the first Argentine laboratory to receive certification for its RB51 vaccine against brucellosis from SENASA, the national food safety and quality service.
While CDV has been exporting the RB51 vaccine globally for several years, this new certification, backed by a $5 million investment, allows the company to finally supply the vaccine to the domestic market. This achievement is expected to revolutionize brucellosis control and eradication strategies within argentina.
Brucellosis, a bacterial disease affecting livestock and transmissible to humans, poses a persistent challenge for livestock producers worldwide. Caused by the bacterium Brucella abortus, it leads to substantial economic losses due to abortions, reduced milk production, and trade restrictions.
“The RB51 vaccine provides argentine producers wiht a modern tool tailored to the current needs of brucellosis control,” said Nicolás Palacio, veterinarian and head of the National and International Technical Service at CDV Laboratory. “This will not only benefit the national herd but will also accelerate sanitation times and enhance the productivity of farms.”
Key questions About the New RB51 Vaccine
What sets RB51 apart from the current vaccine (Strain 19) used in Argentina?
RB51, developed in the 1980s, doesn’t interfere with diagnostic tests, allowing for vaccination or revaccination of animals without affecting sanitation testing. This makes it suitable for use in adult cows, unlike Strain 19, which is administered to calves between 3 and 8 months old according to current regulations. Essentially, they are complementary vaccines with proven efficacy.
In what situations shoudl RB51 be used?
According to SENASA Resolution 957/2024, RB51 can be used in cows older than 24 months who have been previously vaccinated with Strain 19, in herds registered with brucellosis cases in the National Animal Health Information System (SIGSA), and with a negative diagnosis no more than six months before submission.
Why was this resolution to incorporate RB51 approved now?
SENASA has focused on controlling brucellosis through early detection of infected animals and their removal from herds. This strategy has successfully reduced the disease’s prevalence in recent years. However, complete eradication requires additional tools that complement this plan. The incorporation of RB51 addresses this need, as its design allows for adult animal immunization without interfering with serological diagnosis, crucial for maintaining accuracy in sanitation programs.
Furthermore, RB51’s approval comes at a strategic time when research advancements and international experiences have demonstrated its effectiveness in specific contexts, such as areas with high brucellosis prevalence. This vaccine offers the potential to accelerate sanitation times in establishments committed to eradication, contributing to reduced economic losses and improved competitiveness for the Argentine livestock sector. The resolution also reinforces SENASA’s commitment to animal and public health, moving towards a more efficient and sustainable model of disease control.
What results has RB51 achieved in other countries?
Countries like the United States, Uruguay, chile, and others have made significant strides in controlling brucellosis thanks to RB51.In Chile, the vaccine has been instrumental in the country’s imminent declaration as brucellosis-free.Both RB51 and Strain 19 are the only vaccines recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) since 2022 for use in the global control and eradication of brucellosis.
When will RB51 be available in Argentina?
The vaccine is expected to be available for use in December 2024 and will be distributed through usual sales channels.
“At Laboratorio CDV, we remain committed to leading the way towards a healthier and more productive future for Argentine livestock farming,” Palacio concluded. “With the certification of the RB51 vaccine, we are putting a vital tool within reach of producers and accredited veterinarians to advance the control and eradication of brucellosis. This contributes to animal welfare, food safety, and the sustainable progress of the sector.We also want to make our Technical Team available to support producers and veterinarians in accessing available information.”
## Breaking News: Argentina Makes Strides in Livestock Health with Innovative Brucellosis Vaccine
**World-Today-News.com interviewed Nicolás Palacio, veterinarian and head of the National and International Technical Service at CDV Laboratory, about the groundbreaking SENASA certification for their RB51 vaccine against brucellosis.
Pawel Kowalski (PK):** Dr. Palacio, congratulations on CDV Laboratory becoming the first Argentinian company to receive SENASA certification for the RB51 vaccine against brucellosis. This is a notable achievement! Could you tell our readers about the impact this certification will have on Argentine livestock producers?
**Nicolás Palacio (NP):** Thank you. This certification is indeed a major milestone, enabling us to finally make this innovative vaccine available to the domestic market.
Brucellosis poses a serious challenge to livestock production globally, leading to significant economic losses due to abortions, reduced milk production, and trade restrictions. The RB51 vaccine provides Argentine producers with a modern tool tailored to the current needs of brucellosis control. This will not only benefit the national herd but also accelerate sanitation times and enhance the productivity of farms.
**PK:** Can you elaborate on what makes the RB51 vaccine unique? How does it differ from the Strain 19 vaccine currently used in Argentina?
**NP:** RB51,developed in the 1980s,offers a key advantage: it doesn’t interfere with diagnostic tests. This means we can vaccinate or revaccinate animals without affecting sanitation testing. This makes it ideal for use in adult cows, a significant advantage over Strain 19, which is administered to calves between 3 and 8 months old. Essentially, they are complementary vaccines with proven efficacy.
**PK:** What are the ideal situations for using the RB51 vaccine? Could you provide some specific examples?
**NP:** According to SENASA Resolution 957/2024, RB51 is recommended for cows older than 24 months who have been previously vaccinated with Strain 19. This is especially relevant for herds registered with brucellosis cases in the National Animal Health System (SNISA).
Imagine a farm facing a brucellosis outbreak. By using Strain 19 in calves and then RB51 in adult cows, producers can create a robust and effective vaccination strategy, effectively control the spread of the disease, and protect their herds long-term.
**PK:** CDV Laboratory has been exporting the RB51 vaccine for several years. What does this SENASA certification meen for the future of brucellosis control in Argentina?
**NP:** This certification is a testament to CDV Laboratory’s commitment to innovation and animal health in argentina.It unlocks the potential for widespread adoption of RB51 within the country, allowing us to play a direct role in strengthening national brucellosis control and eradication strategies.
We see a future where RB51, combined with existing control methods, contributes significantly to improving animal welfare, boosting livestock productivity, and safeguarding public health.
**PK:** That’s incredibly promising. Thank you for sharing your expertise with our readers, Dr. Palacio. We look forward to seeing the positive impact of the RB51 vaccine on Argentine livestock producers in the years to come.
**NP:** Thank you for having me.
