29 March 2006
Boxmeer, The Netherlands
On Monday March 20, 2006 Intervet shipped 4 million doses of Nobilis Influenza (strain H5N2) into Israel out of its vaccine bank. After receipt of the emergency order the product has been shipped within 2 working days to Israel.
Since 2004 Intervet has communicated to Governments the concept of vaccine banks in order to guarantee availability of the vaccine in case of an outbreak. In January 2005 Israel and Intervet have signed a contract for a vaccine bank of 4,000 bottles Nobilis Influenza vaccine – strain H5N2. The advantage of a vaccine bank is that the product is kept on stock for the contracting party and in case of an emergency the product is being shipped at very short notice.
The government of Israel is currently considering to vaccinate birds in order to prevent the virus from spreading if quarantine imposed on infected areas proves ineffective.
Intervet routinely produces Avian Influenza vaccines, which protect against the H5, H7 and H9 bird flu strains (Intervet vaccines strains: H5N2, H5N6, H7N1, H7N7 and H9N2).
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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, other pharmaceutical specialties. Intervet operates globally with its own marketing organizations. The company currently employs around 5,000 people.
Internet: www.intervet.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Not for publication – for more information: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
