New Cattle Vaccine

The USDA announced approval of Nasalgen 3, a three—way intranasal vaccine for beef and dairy cattle. The vaccine, from Merck Animal Health, protects against the most common pneumonia-causing viral pathogens.

Nasalgen 3 brings 6.5 months of immunity against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR); 3 months against parainfluenza 3 (PI3) and 11 weeks against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV).

Scott Nordstrom, veterinarian and associate director of ruminant life cycle management for Merck, said intranasal administration allows for a strong, early immune response because the vaccine is delivered to the mucosal surfaces in the nose. This also means the vaccine avoids interference from maternal antibodies in colostrum that can actually sometimes block injectable vaccines. The intranasal vaccines can even be less stressful on calves and work within a BQA protocol. Protective immunity is in place within 3 to 4 days, added Nordstrom.

"If producers are working cattle in warm temperatures, Nasalgen 3 will still replicate, he noted. "The IBR antigen elicits a rapid interferon response as well, which provides non-specific protection against many viruses. Cattle are protected early on and then develop both a serum and mucosal antibody response within 2 weeks of vaccination."

Nasalgen 3 comes in single 2-mL dose size, with a blue shadow dye to help clearly indicate which animals have been treated. It is safe for use in pregnant cows, calves nursing pregnant cows, and young calves.

For more information, consult your herd veterinarian.

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