First BRD vaccine licensed for newborn calves

There is currently no other UK-licensed BRD vaccine that can be administered earlier in life, which offers significant benefits as the sooner calves are protected, the better for their later health and productivity.

The vaccine provides active immunisation against bovine respiratory disease (BRD) caused by bovine respiratory syncytial virus and parainfluenza virus 3 (Pi3).

According to MSD, it delivers the fastest on-farm protection of all the available pneumonia vaccines. The onset of immunity for BRSV is just six days after administration (for calves vaccinated from the day of birth onwards) – or five days for calves vaccinated from the age of one week onwards). Onset of immunity after administration for Pi3V is one week after vaccination. The duration of immunity is 12 weeks for both viruses.

Early and fast protection against pneumonia is important; research has shown replacement heifers that do not have pneumonia as calves produce over 500kg more milk in their first lactation.

Bovilis INtranasal RSP Live can also now be used on farm at the same time as other early life interventions associated with newborn calves – for example, colostrum/first milk feeding, navel management, tagging, jacketing and necessary pen movements.

Additionally, it can be used up to six hours after mixing with the solvent, which is the longest of all the available intranasal vaccines for these pathogens, MSD says. It is supplied as a farm-friendly, easy-to administer nasal suspension product that doesn’t need a specific applicator – although for maximum flexibility an easy-clean injector and nozzle kit is available for vaccinating multiple animals.

The vaccine is available in 5×1 dose, 5 dose and 5×5 dose packs.