Equipment upgrade has caused problems
In a statement dated 7 November 2014, Onderstepoort Biological Products’ CEO Dr Steven Cornelius followed up the communique from August 2014 addressing product availability.
“Progress has been made with the equipment upgrade, troubleshooting production processes and staff training which are all requirements to move to cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practice). As indicated previously changing from old to new processes has its own inherent risks but OBP can now report some success. OBP managed to produce and release before and during October nine fo the twelve produces, which were affected.”
“OBP promised to start releasing products from October 2014 and have kept to that promise. Since late September 2014, products such as African Horsesickness (AHS), Rift Valley fever (RVF) and Brucella S19 have been released steadily in small quantities weekly to cover the back-log. However, some difficulties remain which affect the expected delivery dates for B-Phemeral and Bluetongue (BT).”
“The table below summarises key products that have been produced and also what should be expected late November and early December 2014.”
| Products | Doses Released | Doses expected late November 2014 |
| Bluetongue | 1 000 000 (available) | 2 000 000 |
| AHS | 29 820 (last week) | 360 000 |
| Brucella S19 | 320 000 | 135 000 |
| B. phemeral | In test | 37 560 |
| Rift Valley fever live | 2 083 300 (available) | Same quantities still available |
| Rift Valley fever inactive | In test | >25 000 |
“OBP is committed to producing and supplying quality products, and satisfying our client’s need is our priority. We will keep all our stakeholders informed about our progress on a regular basis while we also appeal for your patience and continuous support.”
Dr Jacob Madumo
“We once again apologise for any inconvenience caused. Should you have any enquiries or need clarification and further details on the matter, please contact Dr Jacob Madumo at 012 522 1518 or 082 547 1115.”
Bayer Animal Health confirmed that they had received the first batch of AHS vaccinations from OBP and that these had been distributed proportionally. They are waiting for their next consignment and hope to fulfill the remainder of their back orders by the end of December.
