Dr. Sanjeev kumar balyan, MoS (agriculture) orders Constitution of a three member Committee to Investigate Quality of F.M.D. Vaccines

Dr. Sanjeev kumar balyan, MoS (agriculture) orders Constitution of a three member Committee to Investigate Quality of F.M.D. Vaccines

Taking cognizance of reports appearing in a section of Press about quality of vaccines for animals to control Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Dr. Sanjeev Kumar Balyan, Minister of State for Agriculture has ordered to issue notice to three companies involved in manufacturing and supply of FMD vaccines.

Dr. Balyan has also ordered constitution of a three member Committee to investigate the issue with the following composition:-
(i)           Dr. Gaya Prasad, ADG (AH), ICAR Chairman
(ii)          Dr. Ravinder Sharma, Director (Research), LLUVAS, Hisar Member
(iii)         Dr. B. Pattnaik, Director, PD_FMD Member

The Terms of Reference of the Committee are as under:-
(i)           To conduct sterility test on the samples of the same FMD vaccine batches used by National Institute of Animal
Health and Indian Veterinary Research Institute, Bengaluru. The test will be conducted in the Standardization Division of IVRI, Izatnagar. Fresh samples will also be drawn from all FMD vaccine manufacturers for testing.

(ii)           To examine the protocol followed and competence of staff of NIAH, Baghpat for conducting FMD vaccine sterility and stability testing and its validity.
(iii)          To examine the issue of emulsion stability as per IP Vet requirements.
(iv)           To examine the issue of use of Enrofloxacin antibiotic as preservative in FMD vaccines by M/s. Intervet, Pune.
(v)            To investigate the role of Dr. B.R. Singh, Acting Director, NIAH, Baghpat in leaking test report findings to print and electronic media without approval of the competent authority.
(vi)           The Committee will submit its report within 45 days.
 
GG:CP: fmd (10.11.2014)