Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases

Zoetis organizes response to outbreaks of infectious diseases worldwide through the company’s Center for Transboundary and Emerging Diseases. Zoetis scientists mobilize resources from across the company and work closely with leaders from government, health organizations, and the veterinary and livestock agricultural communities to identify infectious disease threats early and develop solutions, including vaccines and diagnostic tests, to help rapidly control them.  

The Center strives to help control current diseases that affect animals such as African Swine Fever, Classical Swine Fever, Avian Influenza, Schmallenberg Disease, Rift Valley Fever, Bluetongue and the changing subtypes of Influenza virus which can affect multiple species. These threats can devastate herds, impact the food supply, and harm the incomes of farmers who depend on animals for livelihoods.  

The Center also supports a One Health approach by focusing on the approximately 200 diseases identified by the World Health Organization as zoonotic and can transmit between animals and people. Examples include Rift Valley Fever, Rabies, and Hendra virus.  

The Center harnesses these four capabilities to respond rapidly to transboundary and emerging diseases.

Expertise in Traditional and Rational Vaccine Development

We draw on the deep scientific knowledge Zoetis scientists have in infectious disease and our expertise in product development. When a traditional approach to vaccine development is not optimum, we will use a tailored, or ‘rational’, design to improve the safety and efficacy outcomes for a new vaccine.

Alliances with Centers of Excellence

Strong alliances with academic and government centers of excellence in disease surveillance are important to our success. Their ability to access isolates and their expertise in the identification and characterization of novel pathogens in a reference setting are invaluable to us. Our knowledge and expertise in relevant disease models and study designs help to develop them into much needed vaccines.

Regulatory Affairs

Our understanding of the requirements for approval and the excellent relationship with the various regulatory authorities worldwide supports our ability to respond quickly. Our speed to market is often dependent on the cooperation of health authorities and their recognition of an emerging infectious disease.

Flexible Manufacturing Capacity

Another key success factor is Zoetis’ capability to scale up product manufacturing at the highest level of quality. Our pilot facilities worldwide allow us to respond rapidly to an emerging situation and opportunity.

For more information, contact the Center for Transboundary and Emerging Disease: zoetis.cted@zoetis.com