The National Drug Authority (NDA) has uncovered unauthorized foot and mouth disease (FMD) vaccines, including “Purified FMD Fotivax” and “National Veterinary Institute Foot and Mouth Disease Broad Spectrum Vaccine,” during a post-market surveillance operation.
Abiaz Rwamwiri, the spokesperson for NDA, says that these products have not undergone the necessary approval processes, raising concerns about their safety, quality, and efficacy.
Rwamwiri informed the public that FMD vaccines are exclusively procured and imported by the government through the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries.
Furthermore, the authority clarified that all FMD vaccines are distributed solely by district local governments through district veterinary offices.
Given the ongoing FMD outbreak affecting over 32 districts nationwide, the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) has enforced quarantine measures in affected areas to contain the spread of the disease, which has resulted in significant livestock and product losses for farmers.
To address the situation, the Cabinet has approved the government’s plan to procure 10 million doses of FMD vaccine. This initiative aims to intensify ring vaccination efforts in both affected districts and neighboring areas at high risk of FMD transmission.
NDA has urged the public to remain vigilant, particularly during this period of heightened FMD outbreak, and to report any suspected instances of illegal drug activities.
Comments are closed.