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Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada) has introduced Nasalgen® 3-PMH, the only intranasal vaccine that protects beef and dairy cattle from the five most common pneumonia-causing viral and bacterial pathogens. The vaccine provides early, broad-spectrum respiratory protection in a needle free, animal- and BQA-friendly administration.
“Nasalgen 3-PMH is a modified-live, intranasal vaccine that stimulates a strong early immune response to help give calves a strong foundation of respiratory disease protection,” says Scott Nordstrom, D.V.M., director of livestock innovation and discovery, Merck Animal Health. “Results of efficacy, duration of immunity and safety studies demonstrate the vaccine is safe and effective for calves at 1 week of age or older.”
Nasalgen 3-PMH offers six-and-a-half-month duration of immunity (DOI) against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), an 11-week DOI against bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV), three-month DOI against parainfluenza 3 (PI3), as well as a four-month DOI against Mannheimia haemolytica and Pasteurella multocida.
When young calves are vaccinated, maternal antibodies from colostrum can interfere with the vaccine’s effectiveness.1 Nasalgen intranasal vaccines are unique because they are delivered to mucosal surfaces in the nose – an area loaded with immunologically active tissues – to avoid interference from maternal antibodies. Also, intranasal vaccines are also less stressful on calves compared to similar injectable vaccinations.
The introduction of Nasalgen 3-PMH follows the launch earlier this year of Nasalgen® 3. Both vaccines designed with an IBR and PI3 that are not temperature-sensitive, so the vaccines will replicate and protect in a moderate to high temperature environment.2
“If producers are working cattle in warm temperatures, both type of Nasalgen 3 vaccines will still replicate,” says Dr. Nordstrom. “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 two weeks of vaccination.3”
Both Nasalgen 3-PMH and Nasalgen 3 are administered in a single 2-mL dose that is easy to administer. Both contain a unique BluShadow® diluent that clearly indicates which animals have been vaccinated. With needle-free intranasal administration, the vaccine meets best management practices outlined in the industry’s Beef Quality Assurance program.
Both vaccines are proven safe for use in pregnant cows and in calves nursing pregnant cows, as well as young calves. Nasalgen 3 is available in 2-mL, 20-mL and 100-mL packages; Nasalgen 3-PMH will be available for purchase in early 2021. Consult your veterinarian for specific usage guidance.
To learn more about the newest option in intranasal respiratory vaccines, visit www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/species/cattle.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter at @MerckAH.
- Chase C., Hurley D., Reber A. Neonatal immune development in the calf and its impact on vaccine response. Vet Clin North Am Food Anim Pract. 2008;24(1):87-104.
- Grissett GP, et al. Effect of Ambient Temperature on Viral Replication and Serum Antibody Titers Following Administration of a Commercial Intranasal Modified-Live Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis-Parainfluenza-3 Virus Vaccine to Beef Cattle Housed in High- and Moderate-Ambient Temperature Environments. Am J Vet Res. 2014; 75(12):1076-1082.
- Todd JD, Volenec FJ, Paton IM. Interferon in nasal secretions and sera of calves after intranasal administration of avirulent infectious bovine rhinotracheitis virus: association of interferon in nasal secretions with early resistance to challenge with virulent virus. Infection and Immunity 1972; 5: 699-706.
