Citing Russia’s agricultural regulatory agency, Reuters reported the new vaccine called Carnivac-Cov will be used against the virus in dogs, cats, foxes and mink.
Carnivac-Cov vaccine for animals
Russia has scored another first in the battle against COVID-19. The nation was first to authorize a vaccine against the novel coronavirus, and now a COVID-19 vaccine for animals.
Citing Russia’s agricultural regulatory agency, Reuters reported the new vaccine called Carnivac-Cov will be used against the virus in dogs, cats, foxes and mink. Production of the vaccine is expected to begin within the next few weeks, Reuters reported.
Russia began clinical studies of its animal vaccine, Carnivac-Cov in the fall. Researchers assessed the efficacy of the vaccine in dogs, cats, Arctic foxes, mink, foxes and other animals, Reuters said. In a six-month follow-up of the animals tested, researchers said those that received the vaccine continued to show an immune response for at least six months since the trials began in October.
“The results of the trials allow us to conclude that the vaccine is safe and highly immunogenic as all the vaccinated animals developed antibodies to the coronavirus,” the government said, according to Reuters.
Carnivac-Cov is expected to prevent transmission of the coronavirus between humans and animals. There have been reports of animals becoming infected with the virus and there is concern that if the virus does jump back into animals, it could then mutate into an even deadlier strain.
Russia’s regulatory agency said the vaccine is expected to be able to protect vulnerable animal species and prevent those mutation concerns. In Russia, there have been reports of COVID jumping back to animals. There are reports that two cats have become infected with the virus, Reuters said.
The news agency also noted that the government of Denmark euthanized 17 million minks after it was determined a strain of the coronavirus has passed from human to animals, and then mutated. Those mutate strains were later discovered in people, Reuters said. Russia is one of the leading countries to continue to produce pelts used in the fur trade, although its fur business has been on the decline due to cultural changes regarding the wearing of fur. At one time, Russia controlled 30% of the global fur market.
Much like its government has done with Sputnik V, Russia is already negotiating with multiple countries for the sale of its Carnivac-Cov vaccine. Reuters said the Russian government has already negotiated with businesses in Greece, Poland and Austria.
Russia first authorized Sputnik V for use against COVID-19 in August, 2020. Although the vaccine was authorized before it completed clinical studies, the vaccine stood up to peer review earlier this year after data was published in The Lancet that showed 92% efficacy.