|
| ||||||||
| ||||||||
|
Biosecurity BriefingIndia Imports Anthrax Vaccine, Bangladesh Expands Bird Flu Program By Kunal Rambhia, June 13, 2008 On June 5, 2008 the Times of India reported that a pharmaceutical company in India has imported 200 doses of Biothrax, the only anthrax vaccine approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Indian Central Drug Laboratory will conduct tests and offer a report to the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI)—the FDA equivalent in India. The DCGI can give “final marketing authorization” after evaluating vaccine protocol, manufacturing quality control, and potency and sterility on animals.1 An Indian Health Ministry official commented to Times of India that the country “needs to be prepared against a bioterrorist attack.” Pending approval by the DCGI, the Indian Defense Ministry will likely purchase larger amounts of vaccine for stockpiling. The vaccine is intended for “limited use” in first responders and military personnel.1 In related news, on June 3rd ProMED Mail News reported cases of human and bovine anthrax in the Indian state of Orissa.2 Over 20 people were infected and at least 2 died as a result of anthrax infection. Dozens of cattle also died from anthrax. Several instances of anthrax were reported in Orissa this year. Anthrax is endemic to more than half of Orissa’s 30 districts. The importation of anthrax vaccine comes a few months after the Times of India reported on February 21st that the Indian government launched a program to develop defense technology against nuclear, biological, and chemical threats.3 The Indian Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will have 300 crore rupees, or a little over $70 million, to develop unmanned aerial and ground vehicles equipped with nuclear, biological and chemical sensors, “nanotechnology-based biosensors, laser-based detection for chemical clouds, self-contained inflatable [nuclear-biological-chemical] shelters and a ‘model’ hospital to handle [nuclear-biological-chemical] victims.”3 This new program is part of a “long-term prospective plan” to address nuclear biological and chemical threats.3 The focus areas for the program include “early detection, personal and collective protection, decontamination and medical management.”3 In other news, Xinhua News Agency reported that neighboring Bangladesh is expanding its “bird flu preparedness programs across the country after the first case of human infection was identified in a child in May.”4 In response to the human case, “the government has set up isolation units at different district hospitals and is expanded its existing surveillance networks.”4 In 33 district hospitals, authorities are preparing “at least four beds to treat patients infected with avian influenza.”4 The government has increased surveillance to 18 more districts, has stockpiled antiviral drugs and protective equipment, and has “trained a large number of health professionals and people on bird flu.”4 The government is preparing a laboratory for rapid diagnostics using PCR, is deploying rapid response teams, and is using over 200,000 volunteers to “create mass awareness” by “visiting door to door with messages and leaflets.”4 References
|