One of the most significant contributions in the field of veterinary vaccines in the past few years has been the successful commercialisation of several recombinant vaccines based on the canarypox vector (ALVAC) platform. The registration of canarypox- based vaccines, both in Europe and in North America reflects in fact the excellent properties of this vector combining the safety of a killed vaccine and the efficacy of a modified live vaccine. ALVAC based vaccines have been developed for equine influenza and WNV, two economically important infectious diseases in equine medicine (Minke et al. 2004, 2007). The advantages of the vaccine technology in terms of onset and duration of immunity and DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability are well documented and have been confirmed by the customers in the field as was recently demonstrated during the influenza outbreak in Australia (Kannegieter et al. 2011; Kirkland and Delbridge 2011). The mean efficacy and safety features of both vaccines will be discussed. It is expected that in the foreseeable future, new vaccines based on the ALVAC platform will become available for the horse industry.
BEVA is committed to serve and lead the equine veterinary profession in the championing of high standards of equine health and welfare and the promotion of scientific excellence and education throughout the world.