Zoetis, the world’s leading animal health company, today announced the launch of Versican Plus Bb Oral – the first oral vaccine for dogs in Europe. It will provide robust, long-lasting protection against Bordetella bronchiseptica, a primary component of the canine infectious respiratory disease complex (CIRDC), with new easy oral administration.
Versican Plus Bb Oral offers increased comfort for dogs, and a smooth consultation room experience for both dog owners and veterinarians. The liquid vaccine is easily administered into the mouth and has a 12-month duration of immunity.
Robust protection and easy administration
Dr Eileen Ball, Global Veterinary Medical Lead for Companion Animal Infectious Diseases for Zoetis, said: “Versican Plus Bb Oral provides robust protection along with an innovative and smooth means of administration. The new oral delivery brings a more positive experience for dogs, owners and vets. We expect this new option for vaccination will lead to an increase in recommendations for Bordetella prevention, better vaccination compliance, and ultimately a healthier dog population.
“Nearly all dogs are at risk of CIRDC, and Bordetella is a common, but preventable pathogen. Adding Versican Plus Bb Oral to vaccination protocols offers CIRDC protection for dogs. Vets can propose this new vaccination to pet owners at an annual wellness visit in the knowledge that they will be creating a less stressful experience for the pet and owner.”
A new CIRDC prevention option for vets
Zoetis established The European Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Advisory Board – made up of veterinary specialists from across Europe – to provide guidance and advice on the product’s launch.
Member of the board, Professor Emeritus Michael J Day, University of Bristol, UK, spoke at the launch and said: “The CIRDC has a multifactorial pathogenesis, involving environmental and lifestyle factors and numerous potentially causative organisms. CIRDC is not just a cough picked up in kennels. It can be spread in any space occupied by multiple dogs, including grooming parlours, dog day care establishments or dog parks. The pathogens have not disappeared over time and CIRDC is prevalent throughout Europe, with Bordetella bronchiseptica remaining a commonly identified agent in infected dogs.
“I think it is exciting for European veterinarians now to have another option in the way they deliver non-core Bordetella protection. There will be different situations depending on circumstances in which either an oral, intranasal, or injectable route of administration will be most appropriate.”
Versican Plus Bb Oral will be launched in Europe beginning in November 2019 with rollout across the continent continuing until October 2020.
About Versican Plus Bb Oral
Versican Plus Bb Oral provides efficacious and long-lasting protection against Bordetella with comfortable and convenient single-dose oral delivery for dogs that are 8 weeks of age or older. Safety has been demonstrated when concurrently administered with the Versican Plus and Vanguard Core ranges. A 12-month duration of immunity has been established, and to maintain protection it is recommended that dogs be vaccinated annually.
