Pneumonia and IBR Vaccine Information

Hello,

We've received an interesting article on Pneumonia and IBR Vaccines we think will be of interest.

I've added it below...


Premium prices have been promised by the "Export Trade" for weanlings vaccinated in accordance with the Weanling Export Programmes in 2008. The benefits that accrue for the purchaser of vaccinated animals are enormous.

Unfortunately, our prime weanlings have succumbed to these viruses and bacteria in previous years resulting in sick animals, financial loss and damaged reputations. The same applies equally to the "Home Trade" and home reared calves. Losses arise from the cost of treatment, reduced weight gain, increased care requirements for ill calves, and calf deaths.

Preventative pnuemonia vaccination programmes are available and they will pay dividends. Vaccination is required in advance of challenge by the relevant pathogens. Do not wait until the symptomatic snotty noses appear! Pneumonia is a complex disease with many causal agents including viruses and bacteria.

Husbandry and management factors are important triggers for common infectious micro-organisms to multiply and cause pneumonia. This has made it difficult to devise a vaccination regime at reasonable cost. Recent advances in vaccination development have seen the launch in recent years of BOVIPAST RSP, a vaccine which protects calves against the most widespread respiratory pathogens: RSV, PI3 and Pastuerella haemolytica.

By combining these key viruses RSV and PI3 with the most prevalent bacterium, Pastuerella haemolytica, BOVIPAST RSP recognises that bacterial infection usually represents the greatest threat to calves. RSV occurs in approximately 50% of pneumonia cases. PI3 occurs in around 95% of pneumonia cases. Pasteurella haemolytica occurs in around 80% of pneumonia cases. All of these pathogens primarily affect calves under one year of age.

BOVIPAST RSP can be given from two weeks of age in two injections with a four week interval. This means that calves can be protected against the most significant respiratory threats to their health by 8 weeks of age. Viruses such as RSV and PI3 are unaffected by antibiotics and therefore merit vaccination. Arguably the Pastuerella component is even more important, since it is secondary bacterial infection which causes the majority of the damage to an animals lungs. Pastuerella haemolytica is the most common and most important of such bacteria, which is why it was incorporated into BOVIPAST RSP.

Since its launch, BOVIPAST RSP has become one of the leading pneumonia vaccines. Its efficacy has been widely admired. BOVILIS IBR attacks the IBR virus which is often found in older animals. IBR virus is the fourth most common respiratory pathogen, occurring in 30% of pneumonia cases. BOVILIS IBR can be given by intranasal administration during an outbreak of pneumonia, giving protection within 48 hours. It can also be given by intramuscular injection but this has a 7 day onset of action.

This can be ideal for a disease which is frequently a whole herd problem. Suggested Weanling Pneumonia Vaccination Programmes include:

Calves 2 - 12 weeks of age Calves over 12 weeks of age
Week 2 Bovipast RSP Bovipast RSP
Week 4 Bovilis IBR Bovilis IBR
Week 6 Bovipast RSP Bovipast RSP
Week 12 Bovilis IBR

Preparation of these calves should also include a worming programme at 3, 8 and 13 weeks after turnout to prevent lungworm damage, commonly known as "Hoose". Regular inexpensive worm treatments will prevent vastly greater expenditure on treatment of pneumonia with antibiotics in the autumn.

While early antibiotic treatment can be very effective in reducing losses caused by the disease, the most cost effective approach to managing pneumonia lies in a preventative programme that includes vaccination and a positive management programme to control the contributing management factors eg ventilation in calf houses.

Furthermore there is widespread concern over the development of antobiotic resistance in the bacterial micro-organisms found in animals and the possible transfer of resistance to bacteria that cause disease in humans. Responsible use of antibiotics in beef production must be an objective for all beef farmers. Ensure that the vaccination programme is completed at least two weeks prior to weaning as the risk of pneumonia increases due to the increased stress on the calves at this time. This will ensure protection at sale time.

A recent report by the Farmer's Journal (12 July 2008) reported that "the cost of vaccinating weanlings under the Weanling Export Programme (WEP) is to be slashed by up to 40% this year." Veterinary surgeon John Gilmore told farmers at a meeting organised by the Roscommon IFA that vaccination programmes would cost €14 to €15 per head from up to €25 per head last year. As both of these vaccines are now in the POM(E) category, supply is now available:1 - On prescription from your veterinary surgeon or pharmacist or2 -They can be supplied without a vet's prescription directly from a pharmacy to the farmer.

As with the highly successful "SureCalf" scheme which is well established in the USA and is now being implemented in Scotland, farmers are allowed to carry out the vaccination process themselves.

Confirmation of vaccination by the farmer is adequate for the Dept. of Agriculture and the Irish Medicines Board, both of whom deem the farmer competent to vaccinate his own animals with BOVIPAST RSP and BOVILIS IBR. Live exporters and farmers purchasing weanlings will favour vaccinated weanlings when purchasing animals. The WEP scheme has helped address many of the health issues previously associated with Irish weanlings.

...I'll also add it to our MagentaDirect.ie website so you can find it while shopping.

Regards,

Colm Burke