Oakland Zoo is first zoo to protect large cats
and bears against COVID-19 using the experimental vaccine uniquely
formulated for animals
Zoetis is donating more than 11,000 doses of its experimental
COVID-19 vaccine to help protect the health and well-being of more
than 100 mammalian species living in nearly 70 zoos, as well as
more than a dozen conservatories, sanctuaries, academic
institutions and government organizations located in 27 states. The
vaccine has been authorized for experimental use on a case by case
basis by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the
appropriate state veterinarians. The vaccine deployment to dozens
of zoos follows Zoetis’ response in January to a request from the
San Diego Zoo following confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the gorillas
at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
This press release features multimedia. View
the full release here:
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210702005060/en/
Receiving their first shipment of vaccines on June 29, Oakland
Zoo in Northern California quickly assembled their veterinary and
animal care teams to begin vaccinations of their highest at risk
animals the following morning. Tigers, Black bears, Grizzly bears,
Mountain lions and ferrets were the first to receive their first of
two doses. Next are primates, including Chimpanzees, Fruit bats,
and pigs. “Up until now, we have been using public barriers at
certain habitats to ensure social distancing, along with enhanced
PPE worn by staff to protect our susceptible species from COVID-19.
We’re happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our
animals with this vaccine, and are very thankful to Zoetis for not
only creating it, but for donating it to us and dozens of other
AZA-accredited zoos across the U.S.,” said Dr. Alex Herman, VP of
Veterinary Services at Oakland Zoo.
“Zoetis has a long history of supporting zoo veterinarians and
the animals in their care,” said Dr. Mike McFarland, Chief Medical
Officer at Zoetis. “We are proud that our innovative research and
development work and vaccine donations can help veterinary
professionals within the zoo community continue to provide a high
standard of care to the primates, big cats, and many other species
they care for and reduce the risk of COVID-19.”
COVID-19 vaccine designed for animals
Zoetis’ research and development team, headquartered in
Kalamazoo, Michigan, applied decades of experience developing other
coronavirus vaccines for cats, dogs, poultry and cattle. Zoetis’
COVID-19 vaccine is uniquely formulated for animal species.
Although the virus – or antigen – is the same as in human vaccines,
vaccines for animals vary based on the carrier – or adjuvant – that
is used. The unique combination of antigen and carrier ensures
safety and efficacy for the species in which a vaccine is used. To
further support veterinarians’, Zoetis also developed and validated
feline and canine-specific real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction
(PCR) diagnostic tests to detect SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes
COVID-19).
“When the first dog was infected with COVID-19 in Hong Kong last
year, we immediately began to work on a vaccine that could be used
in domestic animals, and in eight months we completed our initial
safety studies, which we presented at the World One Health Congress
last year. While thankfully a COVID-19 vaccine is not needed in
pets or livestock at this time, we are proud that our work can help
zoo animals at risk of COVID-19,” said Mahesh Kumar, Senior Vice
President, Global Biologics at Zoetis. “More than ever before, the
COVID-19 pandemic put a spotlight on the important connection
between animal health and human health, and we continue to monitor
for emerging infectious diseases that can impact animals as well as
people.”
Combating Emerging Infectious Diseases
Based on the belief that healthier animals help create a
healthier world, Zoetis is committed to using its innovation
expertise in animal health to help solve sustainability challenges
facing animals and people. One of the company’s goals within its
Driven to Care long-term sustainability initiative is to combat
diseases that pose the greatest risk to animals and humans. Through
its Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases (CTED), Zoetis
has developed vaccines for high-impact emerging diseases around the
world including Avian Influenza, Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus,
Schmallenberg Virus, Hendra Virus and Canine Influenza. The Center
continues to work on vaccines for Foot and Mouth Disease and
African Swine Fever.
Through the CTED, Zoetis is watching approximately 200 diseases
identified by the WHO as zoonotic, including Avian Influenza,
Rabies, Lyme disease, West Nile Virus, and SARS-CoV-2. According to
the World Health Organization, at least 75% of emerging infectious
diseases have an animal origin, including COVID-19. Now more than
ever before, we can all see the important connection between animal
health and human health.
About Zoetis
As the world’s leading animal health company, Zoetis is driven
by a singular purpose: to nurture our world and humankind by
advancing care for animals. After nearly 70 years innovating ways
to predict, prevent, detect, and treat animal illness, Zoetis
continues to stand by those raising and caring for animals
worldwide - from livestock farmers to veterinarians and pet owners.
The company’s leading portfolio and pipeline of medicines,
vaccines, diagnostics, and technologies make a difference in over
100 countries. In 2020, Zoetis generated revenue of $6.7 billion
with ~11,300 employees. For more information, visit
www.zoetis.com.
DISCLOSURE NOTICES
Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains
forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of
Zoetis with respect to: our experimental COVID-19 vaccine designed
for animals, the Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases,
our sustainability commitments, goals and aspirations, and other
future events. These statements are not guarantees of future
performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to
risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or
uncertainties materialize, or if management's underlying
assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ
materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement.
Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they
are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or
revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise. A further list and
description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found
in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended
December 31, 2020, including in the sections thereof captioned
“Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future
Results” and “Item 1A. Risk Factors,” in our Quarterly Reports on
Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and
subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov,
www.zoetis.com, or on request from Zoetis.
All trademarks are the property of Zoetis Services LLC or a
related company or a licensor unless otherwise noted. © 2021 Zoetis
Services LLC. All rights reserved.
ZTS-COR ZTS-IR
View source
version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210702005060/en/
Media Contacts: Christina Lood
1-973-822-7249 (o) christina.lood@zoetis.com
Erin Dogan Harrison 1-415-601-1619 (o)
eharrison@oaklandzoo.org
Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Aug 2024 to Sep 2024
Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS)
Historical Stock Chart
From Sep 2023 to Sep 2024