PRESS STATEMENT – African Horse Sickness (AHS) Vaccine Shortage Address
Onderstepoort Biological Products SOC Ltd (“OBP”) is aware of the growing concerns relating to the current shortage and unavailability of the African Horse Sickness (“AHS”) vaccine.
OBP’s facilities and equipment strategy, which comprises of short, medium, and long-term repairs, augmentation and replacements, is currently underway. In this regard, scheduled short-term repairs and maintenance are ongoing. The breakdown in some of our equipment has resulted interruption in the production of certain products, including the African Horse Sickness vaccine. Contingency plans are being implemented and closely monitored to ensure that production outputs meet the demand. The company wishes to reassure the Equine Industry that all efforts are being made to ensure that the vaccine is available early in December 2021. OBP takes cognisance of the apprehension caused in the market as a result of its product unavailability, but wishes to assure customers and stakeholders that it remains steadfast in its commitment and support in securing the safety of the Equine population.
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For media enquiries, contact the Communication Officer, Ms Zipho Linda, on 067 8845429.
Issued by the Ondertespoort Biological Products (OBP), an entity of the department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development