The LABIOFAM Business Group has obtained the 2025 Innovation Award for the project «Immunoprevention and control of seven infectious veterinary diseases with classic Cuban vaccines», recognised for its impact on animal health and food security, reported this Friday Armando Rodríguez Batista, Minister of Science, Technology and Environment, on his Facebook profile.
Since 1964, Cuba has continuously applied a vaccination scheme that has eradicated fowl pox, infectious bronchitis, infectious bursal disease, avian pneumoencephalitis, symptomatic anthrax, equine encephalomyelitis and bovine bacillary icterohaemoglobinuria. The World Organisation for Animal Health has certified the country as free from these diseases.
Between 2017 and 2023, 702 million doses were administered, supporting the production of eggs, meat and milk, valued at 2,770 million CUP.
The manufacture of the vaccines generated revenues of 65 million CUP, annual savings of 41 million USD and exports worth 92,000 USD, in addition to technology transfers to Guyana and Vietnam worth 7.8 million USD.
The project proved essential for controlling Eastern equine encephalomyelitis, a dangerous zoonosis whose transmission cycle was interrupted with the application of 3.4 million doses in horses, with no reports of human or animal cases in the period 2017-2023.
According to specialists, the initiative was integrated into the «One Health» approach, by reducing antibiotic use, protecting soils and waters from veterinary waste, and guaranteeing safe food for the population.
The jury highlighted the continuity of the strategy over six decades, its adaptation to the genetic evolution of pathogens, and its value as a defensive action against potential biological warfare.
With branch awards from the Ministry of Agriculture, international publications and institutional recognitions, the project stands as a symbol of integration between science, industry and livestock farming in Cuba.
The award will be presented on 23 April, in recognition of the health, economic and environmental results achieved by Cuban innovation in veterinary vaccines.
