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The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) is notifying the public of the discovery of fake anthrax vaccines circulating in Nasawara, Kaduna, Kwara and Oyo States.
Following the current outbreak of anthrax in the country, the fake vaccines were discovered to be sold at major livestock markets in the four states mentioned above.
Laboratory test conducted on the fake vaccines by the National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), showed that they contained plain water and, in some cases, water containing sugar.
Speaking on how to identify the original from the fake vaccine, the Executive Director of NVRI said that the vaccines produced by the institute comes in 200ml plastic bottles with the inscription 400 and NVRI written on it, while the fake has two different names on it.
Although no vaccine manufactured by NVRI has been registered by NAFDAC including the anthrax vaccine produced by NVRI. There is an urgent need for collaboration between NAFDAC and NVRI on the registration of vaccines manufactured by the institute.
All zonal directors and state coordinators have been directed to carry out surveillance and mop up the fake anthrax vaccines from circulation.
NAFDAC implores farmers in need of veterinary vaccines, medicines or services to obtain products and services from accredited distributors and vendors. Distributors, vendors, and livestock farmers are to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid distribution, sale or use of fake veterinary products. The products’ authenticity and physical condition should be carefully checked.
Anyone in possession of the fake anthrax vaccine as described is advised to submit stock to the nearest NAFDAC office.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicion of distribution and sale of fake or substandard products to the nearest NAFDAC office, NAFDAC on 0800-162-3322 or via email: sf.alert@nafdac.gov.ng
NAFDAC……..Customer-focused, Agency-minded!!!
Signed Management
