Russia registers first coronavirus vaccine intended for animals

Russia announced on Wednesday the registration of what it considered the first anti-virus vaccine in the world intended for animals, describing the step as important to disrupt mutations of the virus.

The Russian Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Supervision, "Ruslkhuznadzor", said in a statement that the vaccine, which bears the name "Carnivac-Cove", has been tested since October on dogs, cats, foxes and other animals and proved to be effective.

The Russian Authority indicated that mass production of the vaccine could start in April.

"All animals participating in the experiments that were vaccinated produced antibodies to the Corona virus in 100 percent of cases," said Konstantin Savenkov, deputy head of the Russian authority.

"It is the first vaccine in the world and the only product that prevents animals from contracting Covid-19," he added.

According to Russian scientists, the authority confirmed that developing its vaccine would prevent the virus from mutating in animals, referring to Denmark's decision to execute 15 million mink (water otks) last year after it was found that it carries a mutated strain of the virus.

She said animal husbandry facilities from several countries, including Greece, Poland, Austria, the United States, Canada and Singapore, have expressed interest in the Carnivac-Cove vaccine.

Military officials in Russia's second largest city, St. Petersburg, announced this week that army dogs would undergo compulsory vaccinations before deploying to airports and participating in Victory Day celebrations in May.

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