An old saying asserts that a dog is man’s best friend. Many people would amend the saying to contend that the adage applies more properly to cats. Whether canine or feline, we love our animals. For many people, the care and well-being of their pets is of the utmost importance, rivaled only by the concern they show for their children. That’s why it’s important that the foods and medications pet owners give their animals have been stored, maintained and delivered safely and at the right temperature.
But how can we be sure? The solution is partnering with a 3PL that has cold chain experience. These 3PLs can guarantee compliance with the vital regulations governing the safe handling, maintenance, and delivery of animal temperature-controlled wellness goods. The same concerns apply to livestock and other animals.
Cold Pharma in the Animal Health Industry
The animal health industry is big business. The sale of medications, vaccines, and medical devices for the family pet has surpassed the $8 billion mark, annually. And the extra $14 billion in vaccines and medicine sales in the livestock market adds oomph to the booming animal pharmaceutical industry.
The worldwide market for animal medicines and vaccines is about one-fortieth of what is spent in the human health market. But that’s not chicken feed. According to the Animal Health Institute, some “24 billion chickens, 750 million pigs and goats, 1 billion or more cattle and sheep, 500 million dogs, and 400 million cats” benefit worldwide from advances in animal health.
Animal owners might resort to a no brand dog food when funds become tight, but they won’t deny their pet a trip to the vet or a needed medication when the animal is ill. Protecting the integrity of animal vaccines and medicines within the temperature-controlled supply chain is crucial. 3PLs and the consumers they serve want to know that every available safety measure is taken from product manufacture to delivery.
The Importance of Temperature-controlled Pharma
The U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) provides the pharmaceutical industry with temperature control guidelines for potency and storage of pharmaceuticals. According to the USP, “temperature is one of the most important conditions to control” in the pharma supply chain.
The labelling of pharmaceutical animal products usually detail necessary storage conditions such as desired room temperature and specific cold chain requirements. These regulations apply to all aspects of the cold pharma supply chain.
Consistent temperature levels for medicinal products during both storage and transport ensures that drugs and vaccines don’t become ineffective or harmful due to faulty handling. Temperature-controlled pharma is important because it safeguards the integrity of your product, your reputation, and the life and health of your animals.
Why a Temperature-controlled Environment Matters in Animal Health
In animal medicine, there are different types of vaccines. Recombinant vaccines, modified-live virus (MLV) vaccines, and killed and adjuvant vaccines are examples. Each of these vaccines has a variant temperature storage requirement, and can be compromised when temperatures are too warm.
Temperatures that are too cold can negatively affect vaccines as well. When some vaccines are too cold, the vaccine booster may separate from the active base of the vaccine and form a solid that is derived from a solution. The veterinarian or technician who administers the vaccine, unaware of the danger, may encounter an inflammation, or worse, in the animal. Simply stated, temperatures inconsistently monitored can cause harm to animals.
Animal lovers cringe at the thought of neglect and mistreatment of animals, whether these are the family pet or livestock that nourish our nation. Business owners who supply the pharmaceuticals that care these animals know the importance of protecting the products that ensure their well-being. Improper handling of vaccines would pose critical problems for manufacturers. The solution requires a superior supply chain and thorough monitoring and tracking of animal health products every step of the way. A knowledgeable and experienced 3PL, like Langham Logistics, has the ability, technology, and oversight to ensure that all animal health products are delivered at the temperature and the right time. Contact Langham Logistics today for more information on cold pharma and animal health.
