Mashhad – Researchers at the Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute's Northeast Branch have developed advanced technologies to produce strategic livestock and poultry vaccines, strengthening Iran's veterinary vaccine self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on imports.

 

Hamid Reza Farzin, head of the institute's Northeast Branch, said the locally developed vaccines will help prevent major animal diseases, protect livestock, enhance food security, and support domestic vaccine production.

 

“Among the institute's latest achievements is a five-valent clostridial vaccine designed to protect livestock against enterotoxemia and other economically significant diseases. The vaccine is in the final stages of regulatory approval and is expected to enter production later this year.”

 

Farzin also announced that researchers have successfully developed Iran's first H5 avian influenza vaccine seed using reverse genetics technology, placing the country among the few with this advanced capability. Initial trials in specific pathogen-free (SPF) chickens have shown strong immune responses.

 

In another first, the institute has developed a trivalent clostridial vaccine for camels and ostriches, a product with no known international equivalent. Experimental production is expected to begin this year, with commercial rollout planned for next year, the official noted.

 

Farzin said Iran currently imports around 50 million doses of similar veterinary vaccines annually. Expanding domestic production is expected to reduce import dependence, save foreign currency, and create export opportunities.

 

“The Mashhad branch currently produces about 30 million doses of anaerobic vaccines and 300 million doses of poultry vaccines each year, while also serving as the country's exclusive producer of the Gumboro vaccine. It is also conducting 15 research projects focused on next-generation livestock and poultry vaccines.”