WNV vaccine still 'conditional' by FDA status

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

June 27, 2002 -- Due to the confirmation of the West Nile Virus(WNV) and the recent manufacturer backorder of the vaccine, horse owners may have concerns about the vaccines availability.

"We are not having any problems right now. We can get the vaccine at this point," said Dr. Kerry Newman, with Bar N Veterinary Clinic in Gatesville. "But, we still haven't had a lot of people vaccinate (their horses) for the disease."

Another veterinarian, Dr. Kelly Sterling of Sterling Vet Clinic in Nacogdoches, also said she didn't have a problem getting the vaccine. "I ordered a big enough quantity to take care of (my customers). The problem was Fort Dodge was limited to what they could manufacture due to the conditional status."

The vaccine product is still under conditional licensing which means it is being tested for efficacy to meet USDA requirements.

"We are in good supply with the vaccine," said Rob Daily, director of equine for Fort Dodge on June 21 from his office in Overland Park, Ks.

"The conditional status deadline is Aug. 1, and we will either get USDA approval or remain a conditional status," Daily explained.

The West Nile vaccine is a two dose regiment and ranges in cost from $15 to $26 per dose. The vaccine is only available through a licensed veterinarian.