Tanzanian scientists score a first in research

By Gerald Kitabu

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  Discover poultry vaccine able to withstand rural conditions
  Sign pact with drug company for world market production

Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA)

Tanzanian scientists have scored a first with the discovery of a poultry vaccine against fowlpox, known as Thermostable fowlpox vaccine- Strain TPV-1 that can remain effective in rural conditions with no preservation facilities.

The vaccine has been discovered by a team of scientists from the Sokoine University of Agriculture (SUA), using research funds from the government.


Already one of the largest animal health medicinal production companies, the Morocco-based M.C.I Sante Animale has signed an agreement with SUA for a mass production of the vaccine, targeting the global market.

The viruses causing fowlpox are distinct from one another but antigenically similar with possible hosts including chickens, turkeys, quail, canaries, pigeons, and many other species of birds.

Speaking during the signing of material agreement transfer between SUA and MCI Sante Animale in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Principal investigator Prof Philemon Wambura said the vaccine was suitable for tropical temperatures and does not require refrigerators.

“This vaccine can be easily administered in Tanzania’s rural environment where there is no electric power,” he said.

Wambura who is also the Dean, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine-SUA, said unlike other vaccines which require special sterilised and laboratory water or liquid, the new vaccine could be mixed with mineral water.

“This vaccine does not use virus as the source of antigen as is common in most vaccines in the market” he said.

For his part, Head of Strategy Business Development of M.C.I Sante Animale, Dr Baptiste Dungu said unlike other vaccines, the SUA one had unique and potential attributes that suits the global market.
He said his company was privileged to work with SUA to help the poor farmers in Africa to easily access the vaccine.

“We understand that our farmers face many challenges. We shall continue working with SUA in other researches as well as for the benefit of the farmers in Africa and the world as a whole,” he said.

Assistant Director, Livestock Research and Training, Dr Hurbert Lyimo apart from thanking COSTECH for funding the research, challenged other local scientists to emulate the great achievements made by Prof Wambura.

He urged M.CI. Sante Animale to make sure that after the mass production, the first deployment was done in the Tanzanian market.

For his part, the director General for COSTECH, Dr Hassan Mshinda said the discovery was clear evidence that Tanzanian researches are being put to use by local and international industries.

“Many people have been saying that research activities by Tanzanian scientists are not seen. Now this is a testimony that our scientists have a great potential,” he said.

Earlier, the Acting Director, life science at COSTECH, Dr Nicholous Nyange said in 2010, President Jakaya Kikwete approved funds for COSTECH to launch 56 research projects.

One of them was about increasing poultry productivity through enhancing thermostability of vaccines, for controlling respiratory diseases which has resulted in the discovery of the new vaccine.

Fowlpox is a common disease in backyard chickens that have not been vaccinated. Most birds survive the infections, although very young or weak birds may be lost. The lesions initially look like a whitish blister and appear on the comb, wattles and other skin areas. In rare cases lesions can be found on the body, legs and even sometimes the softer parts of the beak.

The blisters develop into a dark scab and take about three weeks to heal and drop off. Scarring may result and consequently exhibition poultry breeders prefer to vaccinate and avoid this disease. Management of the mosquito population can help reduce outbreaks of fowlpox. 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN