Groundbreaking STVac: Revolutionizing Ruminant Protection
STVac Intranasal Spray Vaccine is the first innovative product worldwide, and created by University Putra Malaysia (UPM) scientists, led by Prof Dr. Mohd Zamri Saad from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. STVac has been shown to be effective in protecting small ruminants such as goats and sheep from bacterial infections that cause ‘pneumonia’. Through several field trial that we conducted in selected localities, STVac has been proven to reduce mortality due to the disease by 98%. Patent for the STVac vaccine had been purchased from UPM and transferred exclusively to Bio-Angle Vacs for commercialization.
​
Currently, most animal vaccines are imported from foreign countries. Major industry players in the realm of ruminant vaccines have yet to establish a significant presence in Malaysia. Establishing local vaccine production not only lessens dependence on imports but also empowers the country by localizing vaccine authorities.
​
This is being seen as a catalyst for BAV to produce high-value vaccines to prevent other animal diseases through our network of strategic partners. It is a precautionary measure for the country in the event of unforeseen events such as war, pandemic outbreaks of diseases, embargoes, and economic sanctions or for other reasons that could have serious implications for the supply of animal vaccines. It also indirectly supports the ‘food security initiative under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry (MAFI).
Pasteurellosis kills 30%~40% of the world's goat and sheep populations, which leads to chronic infections and death.
Transforming Livestock Health
The intranasal vaccine uses the concept of enhancing the local immunity of the respiratory tract to prevent infection. Therefore, antibodies are produced and stay in the respiratory tract to protect from infection. Intranasal vaccination against pneumonic pasteurellosis proved effective in protecting goats and sheep against pneumonic pasteurellosis. Studies have shown that the vaccine could protect 98% of goats and sheep from experimental infection while field trials revealed only 2% infection rate. It is advisable to vaccinate goats and sheep twice a year against pneumonic pasteurellosis prior to the start of stressful seasons, which are the rainy or monsoon seasons in the tropics or winter and summer seasons in temperate countries.
STVac offers a significant advantage by providing cross-protection against various common Mannheimia strains. This capability enhances the vaccine's effectiveness in safeguarding small ruminants, such as sheep and goats, against a range of Mannheimia bacterial infections. This broad protection contributes to the overall health and well-being of the animals.
​
An important benefit of STVac is the absence of a withdrawal period. This means that small ruminants treated with the vaccine can continue normal activities, immediately after vaccination. The zero withdrawal period simplifies management practices for farmers and ensures a seamless integration of the vaccine into their routine without disruptions to productivity.
​
The absence of negative side effects minimizes the risk to the health and welfare of small ruminants, promoting a stress-free vaccination process. Farmers and veterinarians can administer the vaccine with confidence, knowing that it is well-tolerated by the animals and does not compromise their overall health. Moreover, the simplicity of STVac administration extends to its farmer-friendly nature, eliminating the need for a veterinarian to oversee the process. This user-friendly aspect empowers farmers to independently carry out the vaccination, enhancing the accessibility and practicality of the vaccine in diverse agricultural settings.
Simplifying logistical considerations, STVac offers easy storage requirements. The vaccine is designed for convenient handling and storage, making it a practical choice for both large-scale farming operations and smaller agricultural settings. The ease of storage ensures that the vaccine remains viable and effective, contributing to its accessibility and usability in diverse agricultural contexts.