Vastra’s Investment in Livestock and Poultry Health Products
VastraBiotech: An Innovative Approach to Livestock Health, Food Security, and Sustainable Development
Vastra Holding, in line with strengthening the livestock and poultry health value chain, has initiated a strategic investment in establishing a veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility. Implemented in collaboration with one of the leading knowledge-based companies, this project is among the largest knowledge-based initiatives in livestock and poultry health nationwide. The production of 43 veterinary vaccines is planned in multiple development phases of this project.
Project Objectives
The livestock industry is one of the most critical sectors in terms of national food security and employment generation. Additionally, livestock health plays a vital role in the well-being and economy of nations and is continuously monitored by governmental and non-governmental organizations. Due to the industry’s importance, leading animal health companies have focused on developing vaccines to prevent common livestock diseases, which annually cause significant economic and strategic losses worldwide, including in Iran.
According to Vastra Holding’s strategic planning, the country’s demand for essential livestock and poultry vaccines has been assessed based on annual livestock and poultry populations and the prevalence of various diseases. Given similarities in production lines, required equipment, and essential resources such as land, facilities, and workforce, the production of 43 vaccines has been planned in multiple phases within the veterinary vaccine factory. This approach ensures economic efficiency by creating a homogeneous product portfolio within Vastra’s investment framework.
Operational Phases
- In the first phase, the development and operation of the live attenuated viral vaccine production line will be carried out.
- The second phase includes launching the foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine production line with an annual capacity of 40 million bovine-based doses or 200 million ovine-based doses.
- In the third phase, the bacterial livestock vaccine (Enterotoxemia) production line will be established.
- The fourth phase will see the launch of the live attenuated viral vaccine production line for poultry.
- In the fifth phase, the inactivated viral vaccine production line for poultry will be operational.
International Certifications
The collaborating knowledge-based company in this project began operations in 2018, producing Iran’s and the world’s first essential and strategic vaccine, the Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR) vaccine. It received the GMP certification from the Veterinary Organization and has been continuously expanding its product portfolio by utilizing the latest related technologies.
As one of the leading manufacturers in the vaccine industry and a member of the ICC Global Council, this company has adopted a process-oriented approach at all levels. By adhering to legal requirements and technical and quality production standards, it has ensured sustainable development, enhanced production capacity, and increased revenue and profitability. Through creativity and innovation, it has become a pioneer in vaccine technology and science while fulfilling its social responsibility by continuously training employees to protect and enhance the national health system.
To ensure continuous improvement in quality management effectiveness, the company has implemented its quality system based on international standards such as ISO, OIE, WHO, PIC/S, GMP, and customer requirements. Additionally, this knowledge-based company has obtained product quality control certification from PAVAC-LAB Austria, an IMS certification from IMQ under the accreditation of Accredia, Italy, and international standards **ISO 9001:2015 and **ISO 45001:2015 under the Iran National Accreditation Center (NACI).
Economic and Social Impact
This project plays a key role in the development of the knowledge-based economy. Some of its significant positive impacts include:
- Enhancing national food security by producing safe, healthy, and cost-effective protein sources.
- Strengthening domestic production by developing new products and improving productivity in the protein industry.
- Boosting biosecurity in livestock farms and large-scale agribusinesses.
- Improving Iran’s position in regional and global livestock and poultry health markets.
Conclusion
The investment in establishing a veterinary vaccine manufacturing facility aims to develop and integrate biotechnology innovations into the livestock industry. By creating new market opportunities in domestic and international sectors, this initiative will play a vital role in food security, economic efficiency, and sustainable job creation in the country.