16 February 2006
Boxmeer, The Netherlands
Yesterday the French Ministry of Agriculture announced the intention to vaccinate outdoor ducks against Avian Influenza in three western parts of France (Landes, Loire atlantique and Vendée). The French Ministry sees these regions at risk for transmission of the influenza virus by migrating birds. The Ministry has requested approval from the European Commission for these plans. Intervet will supply at least 30 million doses, a substantial part of the vaccine tender called by the French Ministry of Agriculture. Early next week the first delivery of Nobilis Influenza (H5N2) will be supplied by Intervet to prevent the Avian Influenza strain (H5N1) that has been identified in migrating birds in Western Europe.
Intervet’s vaccine has been used extensively and very successfully in vaccination campaigns against Avian Influenza all over the world and also as part of governmental Avian Influenza control programs. In France and in the United Kingdom Intervet has obtained a provisional Marketing Authorization.
Experience has shown that vaccination protects chickens and ducks against virus transmission from infected vaccinated animals to non-vaccinated animals. Therefore vaccination substantially contributes to the reduction of virus circulation in the areas in question. However, vaccination will only contribute to bird flu eradication if embedded in an overall control program.
Intervet routinely produces avian influenza vaccines, which protect against the H5, H7 and H9 bird flu strains (Intervet vaccine strains: H5N2, H5N6, H7N1, H7N7 and H9N2).
--------
Note for the editor
Intervet, a business unit of Akzo Nobel, based in Boxmeer, the Netherlands, with sales of EUR 1,094 million in 2005, is dedicated to research and development, production and marketing of innovative animal health products. Intervet's product range for use in livestock, companion animals, poultry and fish includes vaccines, antiparasitics, anti-infectives, endocrine products and other pharmaceutical specialties. Intervet operates globally with its own marketing organizations. The company currently employs around 5,000 people.
Internet: www.avian-influenza.com
Akzo Nobel is a global 500 company and is listed on both the Euronext Amsterdam and NASDAQ stock exchanges. It is also listed on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. Based in the Netherlands, we are a multicultural organization serving customers throughout the world with human and animal healthcare products, coatings and chemicals. We employ around 61,500 people and conduct our activities in four segments, human and animal health, coatings and chemicals, subdivided into 13 business units, with operating subsidiaries in more than 80 countries. Consolidated revenues for 2005 totaled EUR 13.0 billion. The financial results for the first quarter will be published on April 20, 2006.
Internet: www.akzonobel.com
Not for publication – for more information
Sabine Schueller Tel: +31 (0)485 587085
Communications & Public Affairs Fax: +31 (0)485 585392
Intervet International bv communications@intervet.com
