Merck Animal Health has received U.S. Department of Agriculture approval of Nasalgen 3, an intranasal vaccine formulated to protect beef and dairy cattle from common pneumonia-causing viral pathogens.
The vaccine provides a 6½-month duration of immunity against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), 11 weeks’ protection against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) and three months’ protection against parainfluenza 3 (PI3).
“Nasalgen 3 mimics natural exposure to the most common pneumonia viruses,” said Scott Nordstrom, DVM, associate director of ruminant life cycle management at Merck Animal Health. “The intranasal administration of Nasalgen 3 stimulates a strong, early immune response because the vaccine antigens are delivered to mucosal surfaces in the nose, an area loaded with immunologically active tissues.”
Each 2-milliliter dose leaves a blue shadow dye to clearly indicate which animals have been vaccinated, Merck reported.
The vaccine is safe to use on pregnant cows, calves nursing pregnant cows and young calves, the company added.
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