New License Claim for Market-Leading Calf Scour Vaccine Confirms

Antibody Boosting Effects Are Wider Than Before

MILTON KEYNES, UK, 29^th November 2022 – MSD Animal Health (a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE: MRK)) has announced that its market-leading¹ calf scour vaccine, BOVILIS^â ROTAVEC^â  CORONA, is now licensed to boost antibodies against both F5 (K99) and F41 E.coli adhesins – the most commonly isolated fimbriae taken from calves suffering with infectious diarrhoea².

            The new license claim means this established vaccine combines the broadest calf scour protection available with unique user convenience.

“When correctly administered as a single 2ml intramuscular dose to pregnant cattle 12-3 weeks prior to calving, BOVILIS^â ROTAVEC^â  CORONA boosts antibodies in colostrum for rotavirus, coronavirus and now both E.coli F5 (K99) and F41. Calves gain protection against these infectious scour pathogens by drinking the fortified colostrum from their vaccinated mothers,” explained MSD Animal Health livestock veterinary adviser Dr Kat Baxter-Smith.

“BOVILIS^â ROTAVEC^â  CORONA also contains the most prevalent rotavirus strain in Europe³, which minimises the chances of a calf scour protection breakdown due to differences between vaccine antigens and the ubiquitous antigens on farm⁴.”

Dr Baxter-Smith added that the vaccine also comes with unique practical benefits; as a broached product vial can be used for up to 28 days after first opening*.

            “Vet, RAMA and farmer feedback suggests the wide vaccination window (12-3 weeks pre-calving) and the fact that an opened bottle of vaccine lasts for up to 28 days are particularly useful practical benefits in a mix of both dairy and beef suckler systems,” she said.

            BOVILIS^â ROTAVEC^â  CORONA is available in 5, 20 and 50-dose packs from both veterinary professionals and the agricultural merchant trade.