Developed in Argentina, in collaboration with scientists in Australia and New Zealand, was presented today the first vaccine against hydatid disease, a disease caused by a parasite that affects livestock, but which is then transmitted to humans. The country reported 450 cases of hydatid disease a year, making the main zoonotic disease in Argentina.

In humans, hydatid disease is characterized by the formation of cysts in different organs, primarily in the liver and lung, and rarely in the brain. Although patients may present as an asymptomatic infection for years, cysts containing the parasite Echinococcus granulosus larvae grow to affect organs and can cause complications that require medical or surgical treatment.

Providence Hidatil EG95 vaccine, with the approval of SENASA, provides up to 100% protection to livestock (mainly sheep and goats), which can cut the transmission cycle of the parasite.

"This vaccine is a hope for the 500,000 children living in areas at risk of transmission of hydatid disease," said Oscar Jensen, Department of Health Research of the Ministry of Health of the Province of Chubut, during the presentation of the vaccine.

The event also participated Barañao Lino, Minister of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation, Lorenzo Basso, Secretary of Agriculture and Fisheries and the Minister of Industry Debora Giorgi ..