Bovilis^® BTV8

Merck Animal Health has developed an inactivated vaccine for the aid in the prevention of BTV 8 infection. It contains an inactivated virus strain isolated from one of the outbreaks that took place in Europe in 2006, alongside a dual adjuvant system that ensures the delivery of both a cell-mediated and a humoral response.

Independent challenge studies have shown that the vaccine can prevent viraemia in sheep following a single dose. Studies in cattle have shown that vaccination can reduce the level and the duration of the viraemia following a vaccination course comprising two doses given three weeks apart.

Vaccination schedule

It is recommended that the vaccination program is completed prior to the risk period. The risk period is associated with the time of the year during which midges are active.

Sheep

Primary vaccination:
Sheep from 1 month of age: subcutaneous injection of a single dose of 1 ml

Revaccination:
As the duration of immunity is not yet fully established, any revaccination scheme should be agreed by the Competent Authority or by the responsible veterinarian, taking into account the local epidemiological situation

Cattle

Primary vaccination:
Cattle from 6 weeks of age: subcutaneous injection of two doses of 1 ml, administered with an interval of approximately 3 weeks.

Revaccination:
As the duration of immunity is not yet fully established, any revaccination scheme should be agreed by the Competent Authority or by the responsible veterinarian, taking into account the local epidemiological situation.