Novartis Unveils Broad-Spectrum BRD Vaccine

Novartis Animal Health launched a broad-spectrum, modified-live vaccine called BRD Shield to protect nonpregnant beef and dairy cattle against bovine respiratory disease complex.

The new product is the first modified-live vaccine to offer protection against the noncytopathic strain of bovine virus diarrhea Type 1 and Type 2, which accounts for 90 to 95 percent of clinical disease outbreaks and is responsible for all persistently infected calves, according to Novartis. The vaccine also protects against infectious bovine rhinotracheitis, parainfluenza 3 and bovine respiratory syncytial virus.

The BRD Shield label indicates beef cattle should receive their initial dose of the vaccine at weaning, followed by a booster four weeks later. Vaccination of dairy cattle is recommended between two and six weeks of age, followed by a booster at six to 10 weeks of age. In herds at risk of BRSV, animals should be revaccinated three to four weeks after the first dose. Calves vaccinated prior to six months of age should be revaccinated after six months of age.

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