Veterinary vaccines: In-VITRO--International Veterinary Industry Test Replacement Organisation.

The International Veterinary Industry Test Replacement Organisation (In-VITRO) was established in 1995 with the aim of developing, validating and harmonising in vitro alternatives to replace in vivo methods for in-process and potency testing of veterinary clostridial vaccines. The emphasis has been on the reduction of animal usage in the Clostridium chauvoei potency assay and its eventual replacement by an in vitro assay. Replacement of the toxin neutralisation assay for Cl. tetani by an internationally validated indirect ELISA has already started. A validation programme involving a collaboration organised through EDQM which could ultimately lead to the standardisation of in vitro tests for all clostridial vaccines is in progress. In addition In-VITRO is now considering the setting up of a programme for Erysipelas vaccines. The collaboration between manufacturers of veterinary vaccines in the development and validation of in vitro tests is a major step towards the reduction and replacement of animal tests.