Elanco Animal Health has issued a recall for Stresnil 40 mg/ml Solution for injection for Pigs, a sedative used for aggression, stress, obstetric conditions and as an anaesthetic pre-med.

The company has identified that inconsistencies in the cleaning process have led to low levels of a previous product being carried over into the Stresnil batch no PP1466, EXPIRY: 30-09-2019.

For more information about the recall, contact Matthew Edwards: elanco_orders@lilly.com or telephone: 01256 779519.

Actiphage, a new blood test for bovine TB, has been accepted for exceptional private use in England by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA).

Dr Berwyn Clarke, CEO of PBD Biotech, which developed the bacteriophage-based detection method, says this is significant step forward: "In situations where a farm has had an ongoing chronic bovine TB problem, APHA’s protocol offers a promising new approach to controlling the infection.

"Actiphage is now included within a series of measures that farmers can use in conjunction with their vet and with specific APHA approval as a means to improving their disease management strategy. 

"For many farms that have been struggling for years it provides the first step to becoming TB free. This move by the APHA is a really positive step towards tackling this devastating disease."

Much of this new strategy, as part of a private TB eradication plan, has been driven by the success of Devon-based vet Dick Sibley, who incorporated Actiphage into a disease management strategy last Autumn to help clear a dairy herd that had been stricken with TB since 2012.

Dick said: "The approach of directly measuring the presence of live bacteria in the blood in just six hours is a totally different but complementary measurement to other technologies and has enabled enhanced testing, early detection and containment of the infected animals. 

"We don’t have all of the answers yet, but it’s about predicting, preventing and managing what we can – and Actiphage has contributed greatly to the outcome we’ve been after for so long."

The Exceptional private use of non-validated tests for TB on cattle in England protocol enables any private veterinary surgeon to request APHA permission for exceptional use of Actiphage and the other non-validated tests, subject to certain criteria that include herd supplementary interferon-γ (IFN- γ) testing, discussions with the APHA Case Vet and the farmer’s written consent.

Berwyn added: "Actiphage is unique in directly detecting live mycobacteria in blood or milk, and it can also distinguish between a vaccinated and an infected animal - paving the way for new types of disease control when vaccines become available in the future. 

"We are working with international governments, and the test is being trialled on bovine, ovine as well as exotic species, but we appreciate it is new to the UK market so we’re keen to answer any queries vets or farmers may have."

The new test will be profiled in the Innovation Hub at the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Show next month (27 & 28 June).

PBD Biotech says Actiphage will require further testing before it is officially approved for standard veterinary use in the UK, however under the APHA protocol it is now permitted for private use where herds have experienced persistent breakdowns and this will contribute to the evidence-base required for official validation by the OIE and acceptance by APHA.

Within this protocol, APHA has outlined a number of other non-validated tests that may be proposed for exceptional use in cattle herds with chronic breakdowns, including: the Actiphage assay, developed by PBD Biotech and Nottingham University; the Enferplex TB serological test, produced by Enfer Laboratories Ireland and approved in GB for use in camelids; and the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) testing of faecal samples. APHA says this is not an exhaustive list and that the protocol covers any current or future non-validated tests for bovine TB. 

The comparative intradermal tuberculin skin test and the IFN- γ blood test remain the only ante mortem tests currently approved for the statutory cattle TB testing programme in Great Britain.

The full Exceptional private use of non-validated tests for TB on cattle in England is available on the APHA Vet Gateway: apha.defra.gov.uk/vet-gateway/non-valid-tb-testing

Dr Ben Swift from Royal Veterinary College and Dr Cath Rees from Nottingham University have been off to Buckingham Palace to collect the Royal Dairy Innovation Award for a bovine tuberculosis test they developed together.

The test, which enables the rapid identification of cattle infected with Mycobacteria, was first developed by Dr Swift as part of his PhD studies at the University of Nottingham. Since joining the RVC, he has continued to evolve the technology working alongside academics at his former university.

Dr Swift and Dr Rees were presented with the award by HRH the Princess Royal.

The Royal Dairy Innovation Award recognises research and development in the field of dairy farming and is awarded for the most practical, relevant product or service which is, or likely to be the most significant innovation for the future.

The RVC says the test is able to detect mycobacteria in the blood and milk of cattle within six hours using a bacteriophage-based technique. As a result, cattle affected by Mycobacterium bovis, the bacteria that causes bovine TB, can be diagnosed for the disease more quickly, allowing for more effective disease management in herds.

Additionally, the test has been used to effectively detect Johne’s Disease – another endemic illness that affects dairy cattle – in new born calves for the first time. By being able to catch the disease at an early stage, this test can help further with controlling infections in dairy herds. 

The test is now licenced to spin-out company, PBD Biotech Ltd and marketed as Actiphage. It can also be used as a highly sensitive quality assurance test in milk and dairy products. 

Dr Swift, who is a Research Fellow in antimicrobial resistance, said: "It is really exciting to be recognised with this award. Translating technology from the bench to be used in real-world scenarios is a great thing and really shows the impact of our research. Hopefully this will help manage two extremely difficult diseases in the UK and worldwide."

Photo: Benjamin Swift (RVC), Dr Cath Rees (University of Nottingham), Princess Anne and Dr Berwyn Clarke (PBD Biotech).

Elanco Animal Health has launched AviPro Salmonella Duo, a new live vaccine which provides simultaneous protection against S Enteritidis and S Typhimurium in poultry.

Jessica Cross, Elanco's poultry veterinary consultant said: "AviPro Salmonella Duo is the first vaccine to have both Salmonella strains in the same vial and also the first to be licensed for turkeys and ducks as well as chickens."

Unlike inactivated vaccines which are administered by injection, AviPro Salmonella Duo is administered in the drinking water. Elanco says this offers producers significant advantages since the oral route allows mass administration without stressing the birds, saving labour and improving welfare. A three-dose programme provides immunity throughout lay.

The new vaccine also provides an eight-week increase in the period of immunity over its predecessor, to 62 and 68 weeks of age for S Typhimurium and S Enteritidis respectively.

Jessica said: "This development represents the third generation of vaccines, moving on from the early dead vaccines, individual live vaccines to the bivalent product. Producers will welcome the simplified administration it offers."

Forum Animal Health has launched the new Agger's Cattle Pump Lite for oral fluid therapy in cows. 

The pump allows one man to deliver 20 litres of fluid into the rumen in just 2 minutes. According to the company, it offers even more benefits: it is robust and lighter to carry, more convenient with its new quick-release connector and more economic: less than half price than the previous version.

Forum Animal Health says the Agger's Cattle Pump is very successful for oral administration of fluids, electrolytes and specific nutrients directly into the rumen.  Designed for vets to make oral fluid therapy quick and easy to administer without assistance, many vets have found the Agger's Cattle Pump so useful for routine fluid therapy that they have trained their clients to use it, given them protocols for fluid therapy and supplied them with their own pumps.  On-farm training support is available for your clients.

The New Agger's Cattle Pump Lite is available now. For more information, please contact Forum Animal Health on 01737 781416 or animal.health@forumgroup.co.uk.

Zoetis has announced the EU launch of Suvaxyn PRRS MLV, a novel vaccine containing a modified live European Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus strain, grown in a unique cell line for whole herd protection against PRRS.

Suvaxyn PRRS MLV offers the earliest piglet vaccination from the first day of age, securing immunity before the risk period which lasts until the end of the fattening. Pig protection is established 28 days after vaccination, and lasts for 26 weeks after vaccination in fattening pigs, and 16 weeks after vaccination in gilts and sows. Zoetis says the vaccine reduces viremia and nasal shedding of the virus.

Monica Balasch, Associate Director, Global Biologicals Development at Zoetis said: "In Europe, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome is known for severe impacts on reproduction including lowering birth rates, increasing abortion, stillbirth, mummified, as well as weak live-born piglets, and death.

"In clinical studies conducted with Suvaxyn PRRS MLV, we found excellent results vaccinating pigs from the first day of age. It is safe to be used as the earliest protection in piglets, and to protect the whole herd against PRRS, as it is also safe for use in gilts and sows.

"The new vaccine represents a flexible alternative to allow for new customized PRRS control programs developed by veterinarians for producers."

Alvaro Aldaz, Director, Commercial Development and Innovation, Swine, at Zoetis said: "We are excited to bring this innovative vaccine to Europe. Suvaxyn PRRS MLV has been developed using a very innovative vaccine technology which brings swine veterinarians a new advanced PRRS control tool.

"As well reducing viremia, nasal shedding and lung lesions in fattening pigs, the vaccine has been proven to overcome maternal immunity, which increases the efficacy of the vaccine when given to piglets during the first days of life. Additionally, it allows veterinarians for use PRRS mass vaccination within the claim; mass vaccination has become more and more popular in several European countries."

Suvaxyn PRRS MLV is a veterinary vaccine that contains a European PRRS virus strain (Genotype 1) that has been grown and attenuated in a uniquely modified cell line developed by Zoetis. 

Jay Calvert, Research Director, VMRD Global Biologicals Research at Zoetis said: "Suvaxyn PRRS MLV is safe based on true loss of virulence, and not based on a temporary reduction in ability to replicate in macrophage cells in the lung of the pig."

Zoetis says the efficacy of Suvaxyn PRRS MLV is supported by a comprehensive program of clinical studies reviewed by the European Medicines Agency and included in the regulatory procedure approved by the European Commission in August 2017.

The European public assessment report is available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/EPAR_-_Summary_for_the_public/veterinary/004276/WC500235212.pdf 

The company says the most common side effects with Suvaxyn PRRS MLV (which may affect more than one in 10 pigs) are a short-lived increase in body temperature (0.5°C on average and up to 1.4°C individually) within four days of vaccination, and in sows local reactions in the form of swellings which resolve without treatment within five to 32 days.

MSD Animal Health has announced that its Bovilis BVD vaccine has a new registered product claim to provide immunity for 12 months.

Andrew Montgomery, veterinary adviser for MSD Animal Health, says this is a very positive outcome for the industry: "It is estimated that 90% of UK herds have been exposed to bovine viral diarrhoea¹ (BVD), costing the UK cattle industry up to £61 million each year²."

The new Summary of Product Characteristics for Bovilis BVD states that following primary immunisation, consisting of two vaccinations given 4 weeks apart to cattle over the age of 8 months, and a further vaccination 6 months after this, revaccinations can be given at up to 12 month intervals.

Andrew said: "The fundamental principle of control, is to identify and remove persistently infected (PI) animals from a herd, and stop PIs being created using a trusted and proven vaccine.

"Providing primary immunisation has been finalised 4 weeks before the start of gestation, Bovilis BVD is licensed to protect the foetus against transplacental infection, preventing the creation of a PI calf which is hugely significant for BVD control.

"The convenience of being able to vaccinate on a herd level without having to assess pregnant animals on a case-by-case basis provides the flexibility to tailor vaccination schedules to the farm system, which for many vets and farmers comes as a convenient solution."

MSD says Bovilis BVD also has the advantage of not interfering with antigen ELISA or PCR testing and can be jointly administered with other routine vaccines.

For example, Bovilis BVD can be mixed and administered with Bovilis® IBR Marker Live when given as a booster dose to cattle from 15 months of age, or can be administered on the same day as Leptavoid-H in cattle from 8 months of age.

For further information, refer to the product data sheets at www.noahcompendium.co.uk and SPCs and/or speak to your local MSD Animal Health area manager.

References

1. NADIS http://www.nadis.org.uk/bulletins/control-of-bovine-virus-diarrhoea-(bvd).aspx
2. http://beefandlamb.ahdb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/BRP-BVDFree-111116.pdf

Techion has announced the launch of the latest upgrade to the FECPAK^g2, which includes a raft of new features designed to make faecal egg counts quicker and easier than ever.

This latest incarnation of the FECPAK^G2 is now a battery-powered and wi-fi enabled. This means it can pair with smartphones, tablets and laptops, allowing samples to be uploaded, analysed and results received, virtually anywhere.

Tabitha Allen from Techion said: "The technology allows internet connected and image-based FEC testing to be carried out literally on the job.

"While the current system is able to return results rapidly, samples need to be uploaded via a computer. The upgrade will therefore give users more flexibility, allowing samples to be processed away from the office."

"Samples are then analysed by trained online technicians so we can confidently provide accurate results, which can then help farmers make informed decisions when it comes to worming.

"The new upgrade now includes a digital microscope that enhances image quality further, making it quicker and easier than ever before to provide these accurate results.

For more information, visit: www.techiongroup.com or ring: 01970 821 918

Merial has published figures which show that gutworm is seriously affecting dairy cow fertility in up to 80% of UK dairy herds¹, in order to raise awareness of the damaging impact of Ostertagia ostertagi.

Sioned Timothy, veterinary adviser for Merial said: “The reduction in milk production from a gutworm infection is well documented². Both animal health advisers (Suitably Qualified Persons – SQPs) and vets recognise the threat such infections cause. However, since cows often show no outward signs of disease, even in the face of a massive challenge, dairy farmers could unwittingly  suffer heavy losses in milk yield, reduced fertility and increased heifer rearing costs at a time when they can least afford it.”

Merial points out that the extent of a herd’s gutworm exposure can be easily and simply assessed from a sample taken from the bulk milk tank – using the MOO Test. This test determines the amount of antibody to Osteragia ostertagi present in a sample, giving an assessment of the level of herd gutworm challenge.

The metabolic demands placed on cows during the post-calving period can lead to a negative energy balance, when energy gained from feed intake is less than that used for milk production. This natural ‘energy gap’ leads to weight loss; a parasite burden can make matters worse.

Sioned advises taking action to reduce the effect of this post-calving energy gap to maintain productivity levels. She said: “Management of cows in the weeks following calving should focus on maximising dry matter intake to correct the energy imbalance as quickly as possible. Studies have shown that cows treated for gutworm have improved appetites, and graze for up to an hour longer than untreated cows³. Grass is the cheapest form of nutrition so it makes sense to make the most of it.” 

Merial also points towards studies which have shown that effective parasite control may have a beneficial effect^4,5. Reduced body condition scores caused by the energy gap after calving may impact on reproductive parameters. In one study, cows treated for gutworm were back in calf 13 days sooner than untreated animals⁴.

Sioned said: "This has obvious implications for productivity. We need to look at employing a range of practical measures to ensure cows are as productive and efficient as possible, and this includes targeted worming where required.”

According to the company, effective parasite management of the replacement heifer during the rearing period is key to her future performance and productivity. Achieving breed-appropriate target weights throughout the rearing period is a crucial component of heifer rearing. The onset of puberty and the start of breeding are more closely linked to weight, body size and condition score than age. It is therefore critical to ensure that heifers reach approximately 60% of mature weight by 14 months of age in order to achieve a 24 month average age at calving.

Sioned said: “Losses in potential liveweight gain due to poor parasite control during a heifer’s first grazing season will not be recouped during the second year at grass⁶. She won’t catch up, and this will impact on her ability to meet important milestones.”

Getting heifers in-calf at the optimal time will help to reduce breeding costs and maximises the potential productive life of the animal. Heifers treated for gutworm have been shown to have a 20% higher conception rate at first service than untreated cattle².

Merial says there is also evidence that parasite burdens exert physiological effects that directly impact on the parameters influencing performance and profitability of heifers, and increased mammary development and earlier onset of puberty have been observed in strategically wormed heifers in comparison to those left untreated^7,8.

Sioned said: “Effective worming will mitigate the effect of parasites on fertility levels in growing cattle⁴, while still allowing them to build the necessary immunity required to prevent clinical disease in adulthood.” 

References

1. MOO Test data 2009 – 2014, Merial Animal Health 2015
2. Reist et al. (2011) Effect of eprinomectin treatment on milk yield and quality in dairy cows in South Tyrol, Italy. Veterinary Record  168, 484-487
3. Forbes et al. Behavioural mechanisms underlying production responses in dairy cows treated with eprinomectin. 19th WAAVP Congress 2003, New Orleans
4. McPherson  et al. Proceedings of the American Association of Veterinary Parasitologists. 44th Annual Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, 1999 Abstr. 28.
5. Sanchez et al.(2002) The effect of eprinomectin treatment at calving on reproduction parameters in adult dairy cows in Canada. Preventative Veterinary Medicine 56:165-177
6. Larsson et al. (2011) Performance of second-season grazing cattle following different levels of parasite control in their first grazing season. Veterinary Parasitology 175 (2011) 134-140
7. Mejía et al (2009) Effect of anthelmintics on reproductive performance and first lactation culling rate in Holstein heifers. Vet Rec 165: 143–146
8. Perria et al (2013) Gastrointestinal parasite control during prepuberty improves mammary parenchyma development in Holstein heifers. Vet Parasitol 198:345-350

Yorkshire-based Clare Tapsfield-Wright MRCVS has written The New Vet's Handbook, a lighthearted guide to help newly qualified veterinary surgeons as they leave uni and enter the profession.

Finding and settling into that first job is a particularly challenging time for a veterinary surgeon. Not only do you need to adapt to the practice environment and fit in with colleagues, but also gain a fast understanding of what's expected clinically, professionally, ethically and academically.

Recently retired after a 40-year career in practice, Clare is very well placed to give new grads useful advice. She's had six year's experience in mixed practice and 34 in small animal practice, both as an employee and an employer. She co-owned a small animal practice in Yorkshire which she developed with her veterinary partner from one surgery to a small animal hospital with four surrounding branch practices employing many vets and nurses over the years. She also spent 8 years on RCVS Council, giving her a deeper insight to the complexities of the wider profession.

What is perhaps a tad more unusual is that she writes from the perspective of someone who feels she has nothing to lose by being completely open and candid about her experiences. 

Clare said: "I've really enjoyed my career and been fortunate enough to be able to balance it with family life, practice ownership and time on Council. But it hasn't always been easy. There are things I think I could have done better, and like everyone I've made some mistakes. I hope that by being open about these things, I might prevent others falling into the same traps.

The New Vet's Handbook covers employment options, interviews, mentoring, working with clients, patients and colleagues, consulting advice, dealing with euthanasia, record-keeping, veterinary standards, training and CPD, career options, professional skills and avoiding common pitfalls. 

Clare added: "Although the purpose of the book is to help new grads settle in, especially those in smaller practices where a mentor may not always be readily available, I hope people will find it a funny, enjoyable read too."

The New Vet’s Handbook is available from 5m, priced at £24.95: http://www.5mbooks.com/the-new-vet-s-handbook-information-and-advice-for-veterinary-graduates.html

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health has launched Mind the Gap, an online tool for veterinary surgeons and farmers to collaboratively develop a bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) vaccination schedule which avoids immunity gaps.

The idea for an interactive vaccination calendar was in fact first developed two years ago by Jon Reader MRCVS (pictured right) from Synergy Farm Health. With input and funding from Boehringer, it has now been developed into an online tool which highlights times when animals may be at risk if immunity has waned, without sufficient boosting of immunity by vaccination.

The transmission of BVD is complex and protecting the foetus from the virus is at the heart of any control programme. The virus is passed from dam to foetus and, if this occurs in the first third of pregnancy and the foetus goes to term, a persistently infected (PI) calf will be born. These will then go on to shed virus throughout their lives, so infecting herdmates and the next generation of calves.

Jon said: "The timing of when a vaccine is given is critical to the development of an immune response, which will protect the unborn foetus. 

"Working out when you want the dam to calve and then calculating back shows when either a primary course of BVD vaccine or a booster should be given but, get this wrong and you will end up with what is known as an 'immunity gap'.

"It is vital that both heifers and cows have maximum protection during the breeding period and in early pregnancy."

Boehringer says heifers must be fully protected before being served for the first time, and cows must have had immunity boosted before they are pregnant again. However, far too often heifers are adequately protected following an initial booster but given their age and date of service, do not receive further protection until they enter the adult herd.  

Jon said: "If heifers calve just after the herd booster, then there is a very real possibility that they will go for two years without a booster, and be severely exposed when they become pregnant as a first lactation heifer."

"This is termed the immunity gap; a period when the animal is not protected from the virus at all. The aim should be to eliminate this period completely, so that there is no immunity gap."

Matt Yarnall from Boehringer said: "Each BVD vaccine has its own timing protocol stating when the primary course should be given, as well as subsequent booster timing and when cows should be served. Moreover, some of these are not straightforward to follow, especially for year-round calving herds."

"Anyone using the Bovela vaccine has peace of mind that the one dose primary course combined with flexible booster regime and 12 months’ proven duration of immunity minimises the immunity gap." 

For more information, visit: makebvdhistory.co.uk.

MSD Animal Health has launched an improved on-farm calf-side scour pathogen testing kit for faster diagnosis of the main infectious organisms implicated in a disease outbreak.

According to the company, the new ScourCheck Rapid Programme promises a 10-minute diagnostic turnaround from faecal sample to result, enabling the veterinary practitioner to offer more timely disease management recommendations without having to wait for a laboratory report. The new kits deliver on-farm identification of rotavirus, coronavirus, cryptosporidium and E. coli K99.

Further details on the ScourCheck Rapid Programme are available from MSD Animal Health account managers.