Schmallenberg vaccine ‘ready within weeks’
A vaccine to protect livestock against the Schmallenberg virus could be available within weeks, Farmers Weekly has learned.
Studies on the vaccine, produced by MSD Animal Health, have shown it can protect lambs, calves and pregnant ewes.
Farmers Weekly understands the company has submitted an application for regulatory approval and licensing of the vaccine for commercial use.
The government’s body that licenses and registers vaccines, the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD), is now reviewing the application.
An industry source said: “The VMD received an application from MSD for a Schmallenberg virus vaccine in September. A provisional licence potentially has a 60-day process to go through. This means a vaccine could be ready by mid-November.
“MSD has 1,500 litres of vaccine already produced and bottled. Once the confirmation comes through, they have just got to go through the labelling process and make sure the vaccine is bottled and available for use.”
It is understood that MSD has conducted vaccination trials using a single 2ml dose or two 1ml doses administered four weeks apart.
Schmallenberg virus: key points
- SBV causes death and deformities in unborn cattle and sheep
- The number of confirmed cases in cattle and sheep is 431, the AHVLA says
- Scientists believe the virus has overwintered and could spread across the whole of the UK in 2013
Peter Mertens, head of vector-borne diseases at The Pirbright Institute, said: “A vaccine may be too late for the early stages of this (breeding) season as pregnant animals may already be infected with the virus. However, it could be used later in the season or the year after that.
“There will be a real professional onus on the VMD to make sure the vaccine is worth having and is both safe and effective. But the sooner a vaccine is ready, the better.”
Phil Stocker, chief executive of the National Sheep Association, added: “A vaccine would be a significant step. It would save the industry from a lot of losses from aborted foetuses or newborn animals displaying signs of the disease.”
A vaccine may be too late for the early stages of this (breeding) season as pregnant animals may already be infected with the virus. However, it could be used later in the season or the year after that.”
Peter Mertens, The Pirbright Institute
A spokesman for MSD said: “We are working extremely hard to bring a Schmallenberg virus vaccine to the marketplace as soon as possible.
“We are currently working very closely with regulatory authorities to ensure a product licence is granted with minimal delay.
“Clearly, because of the nature of the regulatory process, it is not possible to be any more specific yet as to when a vaccine will be available to UK farmers.”
However, a spokesman for the VMD said it would not comment on any applications for marketing authorisations due to “commercially confidential information”.
Take a look at the number of cases split by county on our new up to date interactive map and find out all you need to know about Schmallenberg disease