Fighting Foot and Mouth Disease

Foot and mouth disease (FMD) is a highly contagious viral disease that affects cloven-hoofed animals such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. In Africa, Asia, and parts of South America it is endemic and has a massive economic impact. Boehringer Ingelheim France is cooperating with its Kazakh partner QazBioPharm to manufacture vaccines in Kazakhstan.

Seven FMD viral strains are currently endemic in countries around the world. Each strain requires a separate vaccine to immunize the animals. Prevention is based on early detection and warning and effective monitoring. In areas where animals have not been vaccinated there is a constant danger of an outbreak of the disease.

Given the importance there of cattle breeding and dairy farming, it is vital to combat this highly contagious disease, which can have wide-ranging health, social, and economic consequences. Measures include culling the affected animals, quarantine, movement restrictions, and export and consumption bans. Kazakhstan hopes that the vaccination will eradicate FMD completely, a prerequisite for the exportation of animal and plant products to World Trade Organization member states.

Boehringer Ingelheim has the most extensive range of FMD vaccine strains in the world, and we have already helped governments and international institutions with our resources and expert knowledge. “This step is completely in line with our strategy of preventing and controlling contagious animal diseases that impact public health worldwide,” says Christiane Wijsen, president of Boehringer Ingelheim France.

The scope of the partnership is considerable. The cooperation was announced in Kazakhstan on November 1, 2023, by French President Emmanuel Macron. Boehringer will supply bulk FMD raw materials, and QazBioPharm will be responsible for manufacturing the vaccine, including filling, packaging, and distribution. Boehringer Ingelheim will provide technical and regulatory assistance to the Kazakh company as well. The agreement also involves technical exchange with a view to developing a long-term and sustainable industrial partnership in Kazakhstan.