SIV Vaccines

Two new-generation monovalent swine influenza vaccines - MaxiVac(r) H1N1 and MaxiVac(r) H3N2 - have been launched by Schering-Plough Animal Health Corp. "Each vaccine contains field-proven antigens of swine influenza virus (SIV) that have been used successfully in more than 75 million pigs nationwide," says Dr. Robyn Fleck, technical service veterinarian, Schering-Plough Animal Health. "Both vaccines also contain the field-proven adjuvant Emunade(r)."The new-generation monovalents are part of the MaxiVac(r) family - the only SIV line with a USDA-approved label for reduced shedding of H1N1 and H3N2 flu viruses. As with all MaxiVac vaccines, MaxiVac H1N1 and MaxiVac H3N2 contain Emunade, Schering-Plough's proprietary oil-in-water adjuvant that has demonstrated an excellent safety record."Emunade has been used for more than six years in M-Pac(r) mycoplasma pneumonia vaccine," Fleck says. "It syringes well with minimal tissue reaction. It is safe for use in weaning-age pigs and pregnant females. It also has only a 21-day withdrawal time."Studies show that most U.S. herds have been exposed to both H1N1 and the newer H3N2 subtypes, so many producers opt to use a product that contains both subtypes in one vaccine, such as MaxiVac(r) Excell or the new MaxiVac(r) Platinum, which also provides protection against mycoplasma pneumonia.Still, in some areas where either H1N1 or H3N2 is the predominant problem, producers and veterinarians still want the option and added flexibility of vaccinating for only one subtype.The H1N1 virus strain in MaxiVac H1N1 has been shown in studies to cross-react with recent U.S. isolates. The virus strain in MaxiVac H3N2 also has been carefully researched and is genetically and serologically similar to the H3N2 viruses circulating in U.S. swine.Both vaccines have been shown to reduce the clinical signs of swine influenza as well as viral shedding, which should reduce SIV exposure among animals and shorten the duration of disease in a herd, Fleck says.All MaxiVac vaccines contain viruses grown in a cell-culture system. The process assures consistency in the production of antigens and helps assure that they are relatively free from foreign proteins, she adds.Vials of the monovalent vaccines are available in 250-dose (500 mL), 125-dose (250 mL) or 50-dose (100 mL) vials for maximum flexibility.Each vaccine is indicated for use in healthy pigs 4 weeks of age or older. Pigs should be vaccinated with an initial 2 mL intramuscular dose and revaccinated two to three weeks later with another 2 mL dose of vaccine.

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