Preparation, control and application of anthrax vaccine in USSR

Reported in this paper are the preparation, testing and application of two live vaccines against anthrax in the USSR. They were STI live vaccine in liquid and lyophilised forms and GHKI live vaccine in lyophilised form. Official tests for purity were conducted, using growth factors of cultures, whereas harmlessness was tested on rabbit and effectiveness on guinea-pig and later on sheep, after some five years had elapsed. Quantitative methods by which to test the effectiveness of VGNKI are now being prepared. Immunisation for prophylaxis or emergency are undertaken, depending on epizootiological situations. Major importance is ascribed to keeping, feeding, general nutrition and performance, latent infections, and meteorological factors which can all be of impact on immunogenicity and postvaccinal complications. Anthrax has been eliminated in the USSR, with only few sporadic outbreaks left, owing to immunisation and complementary action in veterinary hygiene.