Press Release

Teresa Howes	(970) 494-7410
Jerry Redding	(202) 720-6959

USDA’S CENTER FOR VETERINARY BIOLOGICS ISSUES FULL LICENSE FOR BRUCELLA ABORTUS VACCINE

WASHINGTON, April 7, 2003--The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics has issued a U.S. veterinary biological license to Colorado Serum Company for distribution of Brucella Abortus Vaccine, Strain RB-51, Live Culture. The vaccine is for the vaccination of cattle as an aid in the prevention of clinical disease due to Brucella abortus.

The disease in animals is characterized by abortion, retained placenta and to a lesser extent, orchitis and infection of the accessory sex glands in males. Brucellosis primarily affects cattle, buffalo, bison, pigs, sheep, goats, dogs, elk and occasionally horses. The disease in man is called undulant fever.

Brucella Abortus Vaccine, Strain RB-51, Live Culture, Code 1261.00, has been conditionally licensed to Colorado Serum Company, Est. 188 since 1996. It is used as part of a federal program to eradicate brucellosis from the United States.

The current product was incorporated as part of the federal program because it is safe, effective and does not interfere with diagnostic testing for infection.

Distribution of this product in the United States shall be for use by or under the supervision of a veterinarian and the distribution in each state shall be limited to authorized recipients designated by proper state officials under such additional conditions as these authorities may require.

For further information about brucellosis please visit VS’ Web site at http://www.aphis.usda.gov/vs.

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