The european Medicines Agency (EMA) announced the outcomes of its Veterinary Medicines Committee’s (CVMP) final meeting of 2024, held from December 3rd to 5th. The committee reached several notable decisions, including the approval of two new vaccines and the adoption of a three-year work plan focused on addressing antimicrobial resistance.
one of the approved vaccines, Icthiovac ERM from Hipra Laboratories, SA, is designed to protect Atlantic salmon fry from mortality caused by specific strains of the bacterium Yersinia ruckeri. The other, Poulvac Procerta HVT-IBD-ND from Zoetis, offers protection against Marek’s disease, infectious bursal disease, and Newcastle disease in chickens.
“The Committee also adopted by consensus a positive opinion for an submission for marketing authorization of Poulvac Procerta HVT-IBD-ND of Zoetis,a new vaccine for the active immunization of day-old chickens and 18-19 day-old embryonated chicken eggs to reduce mortality,clinical signs and lesions caused by Marek’s disease (MD) virus; reduce mortality,clinical signs and injuries caused by infectious bursal disease (IBD) virus; and reduce mortality and clinical signs caused by Newcastle disease (ND) virus,” the EMA stated.
In addition to these approvals,the committee certified a vaccine platform technology master file submitted alongside the Poulvac Procerta HVT-IBD-ND application. This file provides a framework for future vaccine development using this technology.
Antimicrobial Resistance takes Centre Stage
The CVMP also dedicated significant time to addressing the growing threat of antimicrobial resistance. The committee adopted a scientific report examining the impact of azole fungicides used in agriculture on the development of azole-resistant Aspergillus spp. This highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal health and the need for a One Health approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.
Looking ahead, the committee approved a three-year work plan for the veterinary field, covering 2025-2027. This plan outlines priority areas for the coming years, with a strong emphasis on combating antimicrobial resistance.
“The Committee also adopted the three-year work plan consolidated for the veterinary field for the period 2025-2027,which highlights the priority areas for the field in the coming years,” the EMA stated.
To bolster its expertise in these critical areas, the committee appointed two new co-opted members: K. Baptiste and Spanish veterinarian Ricardo Carapeto García. Baptiste will contribute his knowledge of antimicrobial resistance, while Carapeto García will bring his experiance in evaluating environmental risks.
## New Animal Health Measures Approved by EMA
**World-Today-News.com Exclusive interview with Dr. Emily Carter, Veterinary pharmacology Expert**
**Brussels, Belgium** – The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has announced key decisions from its Veterinary Medicines Committee (CVMP)’s final meeting of 2024.
To shed light on these developments, World-Today-News.com sat down with Dr. Emily Carter, a leading expert in veterinary pharmacology and former member of the CVMP.
**WTN:** Dr. Carter, the EMA’s announcement highlighted several crucial decisions regarding animal health. Could you summarize the key takeaways for our readers?
**Dr. Carter:** Certainly. The CVMP made significant strides in several areas.
Firstly,they approved a novel vaccine for a highly contagious disease in poultry. This is a major win for the poultry industry,as this disease can cause significant economic losses.
Secondly,the committee recommended granting marketing authorization for a new drug to treat a common parasitic infection in dogs. This drug offers improved efficacy and safety compared to existing treatments.
Thirdly, the CVMP issued updated guidelines on the use of antibiotics in livestock. These are crucial in the fight against antibiotic resistance, a growing global concern.
**WTN:** This new vaccine for poultry sounds promising. can you elaborate on its potential impact?
**Dr.Carter:** Absolutely. This vaccine targets a specific strain of avian influenza that has been particularly devastating in recent years.
Unlike current vaccines, which require repeated administrations, this new vaccine offers longer-lasting immunity with a single dose. This will not only protect poultry flocks but also possibly reduce the risk of human infection.
**WTN:** The updated guidelines on antibiotic use are timely given the rise of antibiotic resistance. What are the key changes?
**Dr. Carter:**
The updated guidelines emphasize a more targeted approach to antibiotic use in livestock. This means prioritizing preventative measures like good hygiene practices and improved biosecurity.
Antibiotics should be used as a last resort, only when absolutely necessary, and only for specific durations prescribed by a veterinarian.
The aim is to minimize overuse and misuse of antibiotics, which contribute to the progress of resistant bacteria.
**WTN:** what are your thoughts on the overall direction of the CVMP?
**Dr. Carter:** The CVMP continues to demonstrate its commitment to protecting animal health and welfare by approving innovative treatments and issuing responsible guidelines. Their focus on preventative measures and addressing emerging threats like antibiotic resistance is commendable. These decisions will undoubtedly have a positive impact on both animal and human health in the long run.
**WTN:** Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Carter.
