Calf Talk

June, 2009

Volume 15, No.6

ONSET 5 PMH IN

By: Russ Schnepper, D.V.M.

Intervet Schering-Plough’s intranasal vaccine produces immunity for IBR, PI3, BVD type 1, BVD type 2, BRSV, Pasteurella multocida, and Mannheimia haemolytica. The intranasal route gives good immunity, without the usual downer effect from the injectable. Ordinarily the calves look worse the day after injecting a Modified Live Virus vaccine. However we can give the same vaccine in the nose and we do not get the downer effect. The vaccine produces immunity in the face of colostral antibodies, and while the calf is stressed and under the influence of cortisol. Tests prove the newborn calf develops immunity to the Onset intranasally.

Administering Onset day one into the calf barn and again two weeks later produced a heavier calf at weaning, a lower death loss and lower medication costs. The calves were cultured for Mycoplasma and it was found the Onset vaccinated calves had fewer Mycoplasma colonies cultured from the throat and no hanging ears. Even though there is no Mycoplasma organism in the Onset vaccine, it still produced the very favorable result. We do not know for sure why this reduction in Mycoplasma occurred in the vaccinated calves. Many theories exist. I think it reduced the secondary pathogens that are associated with Mycoplasma infections. Clinicians from the University of Wisconsin feel it is because the intranasal vaccine effect on the mucous membranes of the calf’s respiratory system caused a generalized immune stimulation in the calf against most pathogens. However the effect was produced, it is a very big positive. I am sure the situation is going to be explored and they will find out just how the intranasal vaccine accomplishes it’s very positive situation.

Onset 5 PMH IN will not be available until later in the summer. However, in the mean time we are using Vista Once SQ and giving 2 ml into one nostril of the calf. The main difference between Vista Once SQ and Onset 5 PMH IN is the blue shadow diluent used in the Onset. Both the Vista and the Onset will produce immunity in the calf rather injected or given intranasally. But injecting the vaccines may cause a downer effect the day following injection, whereas the intranasal administration does not.

Intervet Schering-Plough has done their home work on Onset and have excellent data as to the effectiveness of the vaccine. Do not try giving killed vaccines intranasally as they will not work. The vaccine has to be alive to give the desired result when exposed to the mucous membranes. This makes sense to give vaccines by this route, as the normal exposure to the disease organisms is by the same path.

Duration of Immunity studies indicate protection for IBR and BVD of at least six months. Duration of immunity studies are on going and I am sure they will show an even longer immunity.

Our program using Immunoboost, Quantum Leap Scour Product and Onset IN has proven to be very effective.

Contact information for ordering information and questions about our products:

Schnepper International, Inc.

3210 County B, Platteville, WI 53818

608-348-6141, Fax: 608-348-6146