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 species living in zoos, conservatories and sanctuaries.
The vaccine is authorized for experimental use on a case-by-case basis by the Department of Agriculture and 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.
Alex Herman, of Oakland Zoo in California says, “We’re happy and relieved to now be able to better protect our animals with this vaccine.”
Zoetis’ COVID-19 vaccine is uniquely formulated for animal species. Although the virus is the same as in human vaccines, vaccines for animals vary based on the carrier that is used. The unique combination of antigen and carrier ensures safety and efficacy for the species in which a vaccine is used.
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