The USDA has issued a full license to Fort Dodge Animal Health for its West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine that has been distributed under a conditional license since August of 2001. Results of efficacy studies completed and submitted to the USDA qualified the vaccine for full licensure. According to Tom Overbay, DVM, director, Field Veterinary Services at Fort Dodge, 95% of horses vaccinated with two doses of the vaccine and challenged with the live virus 12 months later were free from viremia (the presence of viruses in the blood circulation and a prerequisite for the induction of neurological disease caused by WNV).

Fort Dodge was given a conditional license for the vaccine in August 2001 under expedited review because of the widespread threat of WNV. To be conditionally licensed, the vaccine had to meet federal standards of purity, safety, and reasonable expectation of efficacy

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