Agricultural News
Merck Animal Health Introduces Intranasal Vaccine to Control Bacterial Pneumonia in Cattle
Wed, 05 Feb 2014 10:24:20 CST
Merck Animal Health today introduced Once PMH® IN, the only intranasal vaccine to deliver dual bacterial pneumonia protection in healthy beef and dairy cattle, including calves as young as 1 week of age. Once PMH® IN aids in the control of respiratory disease caused by Mannheimia haemolytica and in the prevention of disease caused by Pasteurella multocida - the leading causes of early-onset Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD).
BRD has long-term health consequences that cost the U.S. cattle industry an estimated $800 million to $900 million annually in medical and treatment expense, reduced animal performance and mortality.1 It's also the single biggest killer of newly weaned calves.2,3
"The intranasal administration of Once PMH® IN stimulates a strong immune response because vaccine antigens are delivered directly to mucosal surfaces in the nose - the major sites of immune response in cattle," said Rick Sibbel, D.V.M., Merck Animal Health director of beef cattle technical services.
Studies demonstrate young calves given an intranasal administration of Once PMH® IN performed better on body temperature and weight gain measures when compared to calves given a commercial subcutaneous pasteurella vaccine.4
"Calves given Once PMH® IN also had a dramatically reduced inflammatory protein level response, an indicator of infection and inflammation, which can adversely affect calf performance," explained Dr. Sibbel.
Once PMH® IN is a non-adjuvanted formulation with two dosing options - 1 mL applied in each nostril of the animal or a 2-mL dose delivered in one nostril. Because there is no vaccine injection site, carcass quality is not compromised.
While annual revaccination is recommended, the vaccine can be administered more frequently, depending on the farm's risk assessment or if the herd faces epidemic conditions. As always, consult your herd veterinarian for specific guidance.
Once PMH® IN is available in 10-dose and 50-dose packages. To further assist in vaccine delivery, Merck Animal Health has developed new, less invasive cannula and pump-its, which are available through Merck Animal Health representatives or veterinarians.
To learn more about Once PMH® IN, visit http://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle/
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