CALF_News_April_May_2021

35 CALF News • April | May 2021 • www.calfnews.net MERCK ANIMAL HEALTH is not one to sit on its laurels. Constant improvement of existing product benefits not only the company, but livestock producers primarily. The company has taken a proven and successful vaccine Bovilis® Nasalgen®3 and added protection against two addi- tional bacterial pathogens. What’s Up? Bovilis Nasalgen®3-PMH is now available to vaccinate against IBR, BRSV, PI3, Pasturella multocida and Mannheimia haemolytica . These are five of the major respiratory pathogens affecting cattle. Tim Parks, DVM, Merck Animal Health, reminds us that this intranasal product can be used safely on young calves without interference from colostrum. The intranasal mode of vaccination is helpful for all ages of cattle because immunity is created at the point of entry, the same way that pathogens enter a calf ’s body. As per the young stock, Parks recommends producers work with their veterinarian to determine when to give Bovilis Nas- algen® 3-PMH. Benefit to All Ages of Cattle Bovilis Nasalgen®3-PMH vaccine is beneficial to all classes of cattle along the route to the feedlot, adding protection through rapid stimulation of the immune system. Vaccinating calves at spring turnout has always been a given, but weaning, pre-shipment, stocker and feedlot scenarios are now better able to utilize the product. What’s a 'BluShadow™ Diluent'? Bovilis Nasalgen®3 and Bovilis Nasalgen 3-PMH diluents contain a blue color. It enables the working crew to confirm the product has been administered on the mucosal surface correctly and ensures responsible work habits the head cowboy can see; accurate placement of product gives a better immune response. Mixing Cattle Many groups of grass yearlings are “put-together” cattle that are comingled several times during their first fall and winter. This stress plus the added unknown of incoming pathogens makes thorough vaccination important. Boosting immune response creates antibodies and also gives non-specific protec- tion as these cattle mix. In other words, administering a good vaccine targets specific antibodies and provides protection against some other pathogens through a generally heightened immune system. Let Them Rest Parks recommends resting incoming grass and stocker cattle before they are worked. Although there’s no set stan- dard for rest, he suggests feed and water, and at least an opportunity to settle down overnight. Some lots allow two hours of rest for each hour cattle have been on a truck. Keep Improving V accines continue to improve with a great effort from man- ufacturers. Consumers of vaccine products need to enhance their skills, as well. It is good animal husbandry.  Immunization Through the Feeding Period Merck Advances Bovilis ® Nasalgen ® 3 By Patti Wilson Contributing Editor