MSD Animal Health has received VMD approval for BOVILIS CRYPTIUM, the first vaccine in the UK designed to protect calves against the highly infectious parasite Cryptosporidium parvum. This vaccine is a breakthrough in preventing cryptosporidiosis, a common cause of diarrhea in calves that significantly impacts their health and future productivity. The vaccine immunizes pregnant cows and heifers, raising antibodies in the colostrum to protect calves from birth, thus enhancing cattle well-being and supporting global food production.
MSD Animal Health Receives VMD Approval for BOVILIS CRYPTIUM Vaccine to Protect Calves Against Cryptosporidium parvum
MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc. based in Rahway, New Jersey, USA, has recently announced that it has received approval from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) in the United Kingdom for BOVILIS CRYPTIUM. This vaccine is the first of its kind in Great Britain to protect cattle against the highly infectious parasite Cryptosporidium parvum, a major cause of cryptosporidiosis, which is a significant gastrointestinal disease affecting cattle. The launch of this vaccine marks a significant advancement in protecting the health and well-being of cattle from an early age, supporting the dairy and beef industries in the UK and across Europe.
The Challenge of Cryptosporidium parvum
Cryptosporidium parvum is a parasitic infection that causes cryptosporidiosis, which is one of the most common and severe causes of diarrhea in calves, particularly in the UK. This infection leads to significant health issues in young calves, often within the first 7-14 days of life, although it can occur at any time. The parasite damages the intestinal lining, reducing the capacity for nutrient and water absorption, which can severely impact a calf’s growth, health, and future productivity. Studies have shown that calves affected by severe cryptosporidiosis can weigh up to 34 kg less over a six-month period compared to their healthier counterparts, leading to substantial financial losses for farmers due to reduced calf sale prices.
BOVILIS CRYPTIUM: A New Preventive Solution
BOVILIS CRYPTIUM is specifically designed for the active immunization of pregnant heifers and cows. The vaccine works by raising antibodies in the colostrum against Gp40 of Cryptosporidium parvum. When calves consume this fortified colostrum, they receive protection against the parasite during their most vulnerable early days of life. This innovative approach offers preventive neonatal protection, which is crucial in maintaining cattle health from the outset and contributes to overall food safety and production.
Dr. Kat Baxter-Smith, a veterinary adviser with MSD Animal Health, emphasized the widespread presence of cryptosporidiosis on UK dairy and suckler cattle farms and the year-round prevalence of the disease. She highlighted that the infection not only impacts calf health but also poses a serious threat to future productivity and economic returns for farmers. By providing early protection through vaccination, BOVILIS CRYPTIUM represents a significant step forward in managing and reducing the impacts of cryptosporidiosis on cattle farms.
Vaccination Protocol and Administration
The vaccination regimen for BOVILIS CRYPTIUM involves a primary vaccination course of two doses, administered 4 to 5 weeks apart during the third trimester of pregnancy, to be completed at least 3 weeks before calving. For cattle that have received the primary vaccination course, only a single booster dose is required during subsequent pregnancies. This regimen ensures that adequate antibodies are present in the colostrum and transition milk, which must be fed to calves during the first five days of life to ensure proper immunity. Farmers are advised to feed at least three liters of colostrum within the first six hours after birth for optimal protection.
Moreover, BOVILIS CRYPTIUM can be administered concurrently with the BOVILIS ROTAVEC CORONA vaccine, which boosts antibodies in colostrum against other significant pathogens, including rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli strains. This dual vaccination strategy further enhances the protection of calves against a range of gastrointestinal diseases.
MSD Animal Health’s Commitment to Innovation and Animal Welfare
Philippe Houffschmitt, DVM, MBA, associate vice president of the global ruminant business at MSD Animal Health, expressed the company’s commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and animal health. He noted that the introduction of BOVILIS CRYPTIUM reflects MSD Animal Health’s dedication to providing innovative, science-driven solutions to combat diseases that significantly affect livestock health and farm productivity.
Farmers interested in learning more about BOVILIS CRYPTIUM or incorporating this vaccine into their herd management practices should consult their veterinary professionals for detailed guidance and information on the new vaccination protocol. With the introduction of BOVILIS CRYPTIUM, MSD Animal Health continues to lead the way in developing advanced vaccines that enhance animal health and support sustainable farming practices worldwide.
