OIE appoints Zoetis to Rabies Vaccine Bank
"We are pleased to be selected as a preferred partner by OIE in the global fight against rabies" - Rimma Driscoll, Zoetis.
Animal health firm Zoetis has been appointed by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as one of two approved vaccine suppliers to the Rabies Vaccine Bank for four years.
The vaccine bank intends to help OIE members achieve their goal of zero human fatalities from dog-mediated rabies by 2030.
Rimma Driscoll, senior vice president of global business development at Zoetis, said: “We are very pleased to be selected as a preferred partner by OIE in the global fight against rabies.
“The decision reflects the quality and efficacy of Zoetis vaccines together with our commitment and ability to raise awareness, as well as engage with and train health stakeholders in different regions. We at Zoetis are committed to combating diseases that pose the greatest risk to animals and people; supplying this global vaccine bank is a recognition of our capabilities to fight transboundary and zoonotic diseases.”
The OIE created vaccine banks to ensure the ready availability of high-quality vaccines manufactured in line with OIE international standards, particularly for developing countries. An advantage of this is to facilitate procurement processes so that local governments and NGOs can concentrate on implementing vaccination programs and have a reliable supply of quality vaccines at an acceptable price.
Glenn David, executive vice president and group president at Zoetis said: “Working with the OIE and in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO) to eliminate dog-mediated rabies is a major Zoetis One Health sustainability goal and a unique opportunity to further strengthen our working relationships for tackling many other diseases that impact animals and people.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
