Vaccine for mastitis prevention is launching in the EU

A vaccine to reduce the incidence and severity of clinical mastitis in dairy cattle is launching on the European Union (EU) veterinary market by Boehringer Ingelheim. The vaccine will be available in several EU countries starting in April 2026 for use in cows and heifers.¹

Bovine mastitis is an inflammation of the mammary gland, which leads to abnormal and decreased milk production. Caused by infection or trauma, mastitis is a common disease in the dairy industry.²

Mastitis can affect the behavior and wellbeing of a dairy cow with the condition. Pain and discomfort associated with the disease can cause changes in activity, gait, feeding, and grooming. Additionally, the disease can have a negative emotional impact on the afflicted cow, which can lead to decreased activity, vigor, and happiness.³

Lenzelta works by targeting 2 key mastitis pathogens: Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. By focusing on prevention at a critical stage of the lactation cycle, the vaccine helps create more stable conditions for milk production and animal well‑being, according to Boehringer Ingelheim.¹

“With Lenzelta, we are setting a new benchmark in mastitis prevention,” Gerald Behrens, PhD (Animal Nutrition), MS, head of ruminants for Boehringer Ingelheim, said in a news release.¹ “Mastitis places a massive burden on dairy farms around the world. By offering a highly effective vaccine that is easy to integrate into existing routines, we give farmers and veterinarians a powerful new tool to manage one of the industry’s most persistent challenges.”

The vaccine is administered in 2 doses during the dry‑off period, making it easy to integrate into established herd‑health routines. The timing supports an early onset of immunity and provides protection lasting up to 6 months, covering the period in which cows are most susceptible to mastitis.^1,4

Available in multiple vial sizes, the preventive therapy uses an oil‑free adjuvant. It supports healthier cows, can help strengthen herd productivity and contribute to more reliable milk production and farm operations.¹

Takeaway

Lenzelta aims to offer veterinarians a practical way to proactively manage mastitis by supporting a preventive approach and enabling a more sustainable way to care for dairy herds. For farmers, the vaccine can provide a sense of control, confidence and peace of mind by reducing the prevalence and impact of mastitis infections, according to Boehringer Ingelheim.¹

References

1. Boehringer Ingelheim introduces Lenzelta: a new vaccine advancing mastitis prevention in dairy cows. News release. Boehringer Ingelheim. April 13, 2026. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health/animals-we-support/ruminants/vaccine-innovation-boosts-mastitis-prevention-dairy-cows
2. Bovine mastitis. Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Accessed April 13, 2026. https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/baker-institute-animal-health/research-baker-institute/bovine-mastitis
3. Mata F, Jesus MS, Pinto RP, Mata A. A meta-analysis of the mastitis vaccination efficacy in dairy cattle. Open Vet J. 2023;13(2):179-187. doi:10.5455/OVJ.2023.v13.i2.5.
4. Puerto MA, Shepley E, Cue RI, Warner D, Dubuc J, Vasseur E. The hidden cost of disease: Impact of the first incidence of mastitis on production and economic indicators of primiparous dairy cows. J Dairy Sci. 2021;104(7):7932–7943
   doi:10.3168/jds.2020-19584