MOSCOW – Russia’s Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance Service (Rosseljoznadzor) announced on Wednesday the registration of the first COVID-19 vaccine for animals, Carnivac-Cov.
The inactivated vaccine was produced by the Federal Center for Animal Health, Rosseljoznadzor deputy director Konstantín Sávenkov said in a statement posted on the regulatory body’s website.
He explained that the clinical tests of the preparation began last October and that they used dogs, cats, minks, common and arctic foxes, and other animals.
“The results of the studies allow us to conclude that the vaccine is safe and creates immunity” since “100% of the vaccinated animals generated antibodies against the coronavirus,” said Savenkov.
Scientists are currently studying the duration of the immunity created by the vaccine, which today is at least six months, according to its developers.
“Already in April, the mass production of the vaccine can be started,” said Savenkov, who stressed the importance of having a preparation to protect animals since cases of COVID-19 have already been reported among them.
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