Representatives from AHA recently met with specialists from pharmaceutical company Boehringer-Ingelheim (BI) Pty Ltd to discuss our collaboration and agreements on Australia’s FMD Vaccine Bank. 

As background, back in September 2004, AHA contracted BI, which specialises in the manufacturing of veterinary pharmaceuticals, to establish an FMD Vaccine Bank for the exclusive use of Australia.  

BI was reselected as the preferred supplier again in 2015, following a formal tender process, and after a detailed evaluation of Australia’s requirements, and the capabilities of the various international suppliers to meet those requirements. 

It should be noted these vaccines would only be used for emergency purposes not for general distribution. 

The FMD Vaccine Bank is held in the United Kingdom, because we don’t have FMD antigens (the components that are used to make vaccines) in Australia, and the bank has enough quantities of vaccine to enable Australia to respond quickly in the event of an outbreak of FMD. 

As part of the meeting in early March 2023, AHA and BI discussed ongoing collaborative work as part of AHA’s role as managers of the FMD Vaccine Bank contract on behalf of our members and funding parties. 

BI representatives gave a very informative presentation on the current status of the spread of FMD around in the world, including some historical perspectives and technical information on the various antigens involved.  

The meeting also discussed the very real threats and challenges to Australia presented by the presence of FMD in Indonesia, and this is why we want to ensure our partners at BI are ready as quickly as possible, should we need to use this important resource. 

Learn more about Australia’s vaccine bank agreements here – Vaccine banks – Animal Health Australia

Image: representatives from AHA and BI discuss Australia’s FMD Vaccine Bank 
Back row:  
Ashley Turner – Head of Finance AHA 
Dr Greg Little – Head of Regulatory Affairs & PV, ANZ BI 
Dr Pascal Hudelet – Head of VPH Technical Services BI 
Dr Penny Linnett – Emergency animal disease contractor AHA 
Front row:  
Dr Samantha Allan – GM Emergency Preparedness, Animal Health and Biosecurity AHA 
Dr Carolyn Conacher – Senior Regulatory Affairs & PV Manager BI 
Audrey Guibal – Head of Bank and Tenders Management BI 
Kathleen Plowman