He continued: low pathogenic H9N2 avian influenza vaccine, which has been circulating in the country for about 20 years, is produced by Razi Institute and delivered to poultry farms. Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute produces approximately 400 million doses of the bivalent H9N2 avian influenza vaccine every year.

Dr. Fallah added: Considering that highly pathogenic avian influenza usually spreads when migratory birds enter countries, the strategy of many countries to deal with the disease is eliminating rather than eradication through vaccination. The infected flocks are eliminated and strict security, control, and quarantine measures will be on the agenda.

Dr. Fallah further said: However, considering that this disease has existed in our country for several years, causing significant damage to the poultry industry, policymakers in the veterinary field in Iran preferred to vaccinate at-risk flocks, including breeder and layer flocks.

He pointed out: Currently, there are two types of highly pathogenic avian influenza vaccines which are autogenous (whole particle) vaccines and reverse genetics vaccines.

Export of Avian Influenza Vaccine to Neighboring Countries

He hoped that soon Razi Institute will have good news for the country's poultry industry and, with the production of genetically modified avian influenza for the first time in the country, Razi Institute can offer this vaccine to the market and meet part of the country's needs.

According to Dr. Fallah the current production capacity of  Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute regarding H9N2 avian influenza is 50% of the country's demand. According to statistics provided by the Veterinary Organization last year, the country needed about 700 million doses of this vaccine. It is estimated that the maximum amount needed in the country this year will be about one billion doses of the vaccine. In the current year, Razi Institute's production plan includes approximately 500 million doses, which is considered a record by its own.

Regarding this product’s export, Dr. Fallah noted that the export of avian influenza vaccines can only be done to countries where the circulating strains of avian Influenza are similar to Iran like Pakistan and Iraq. Currently, with the bivalent avian influenza vaccine produced by the Razi Institute having GMP certification to ensure the production and continuous control of products, as a prerequisite for export, a part of the need for this vaccine is met by  Razi Institute in Iraqi Kurdistan.