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Breakthrough in Mycoplasma bovis control in cattle as Zoetis launches first UK authorised vaccine

Zoetis, a global leader in animal health, is pleased to announce the launch of Protivity, the UK and World’s first modified-live vaccine for Mycoplasma bovis (M. bovis) in cattle —a research and development achievement decades in the making.

Protivity is a modified-live vaccine for M. bovis specifically designed to stimulate the required cell-mediated immune response in beef and dairy calves. This immune response is crucial for optimum protection against M. bovis, as experience shows colostral IgG antibodies alone may fail to protect calves adequately against M.bovis.

Hailed as a game-changer in the fight against costly M. bovis, Protivity induces a serological response offering protection to calves by six weeks of age. This is provided when two doses of 2ml Protivity® are administered subcutaneously in the neck 21 days apart from one week of age. Onset of immunity is 12 days after the basic vaccination scheme.

Clinical studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of Protivity, with vaccinated calves showing:

  • A 74% reduction in lung lesions1
  • A significant reduction in respiratory clinical signs and pyrexia4

Field studies in a large French beef finishing unit showed:

  • A significant reduction in antibiotic use, from 13.1 mg/kg of PCU with partial herd vaccination (0-67%) to 3.7 mg/kg PCU when 100% of the herd was vaccinated2
  • An improved average daily weight gain of 100g compared to non-vaccinated animals3

M. bovis is a widespread bacterial disease that most commonly causes caseo-necrotic pneumonia in calves and occasionally other chronic health issues such as otitis, severe and non-responsive mastitis, and septic arthritis.

It can lead to high morbidity from bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in group-reared calves due to rapid spread5, increased antibiotic usage and long term growth and production losses due to chronic lung damage and increased mortality.

The disease is considered endemic in UK dairy and beef herds, with 2023 calf serology data from 156 farms showing 65% of herds were infected6. A bulk milk survey of 181 Scottish dairy herds revealed that 86% tested positive on bulk milk antibody screening7.

Zoetis vet Colin Penny emphasises that Protivity is a significant breakthrough in M. bovis control. “This is the first modified-live vaccine for M. bovis, and despite various tools available to manage respiratory disease, M. bovis continues to pose challenges. Its lack of a cell wall means it is not susceptible to all antibiotics, and its ability to exist in biofilms and express variable surface lipoproteins allows it to evade treatment and subvert the host immune response.”

Mr Penny recommends that Protivity be used to prime active immunity alongside broader on-farm control measures. “A comprehensive BRD control policy should include ensuring adequate intake of high-quality colostrum, proper nutrition, and maintaining hygiene and air quality in calf sheds,” he said.

References

  1. Study Report No. B832R-US-17-665, Zoetis Inc.
  2. Bernheim S.and others .The impact of a modified live Mycoplasma bovis vaccine on antibiotics usage on a French feedlot. Proceedings 32nd  WBC Cancun May 2024
  3. Bernheim.S and others .The effect of a Mycoplasma bovis modified live vaccine on Average Daily Gain in a French feedlot. Proceedings 32nd  WBC Cancun May 2024
  4. Study Report No. B832R-US-17-665, Zoetis Inc.
  5. Maunsell, F and Donovan, G (2009) Vet Clinics Food Animal Practice 25 139–177
  6. Zoetis Serology Scheme Data 2023
  7. Ireland-Hughes J, and others (2022) Cattle Practice 30 (1), 36

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