Vaccine protects against pneumonia viruses
It protects against three key viruses involved in cattle pneumonia (the RSV, PI3 and BVD viruses).
The importance of BVD should not be under-estimated, according to the company. It is very prevalent in the Irish cattle population and weakens animals’ immune defence mechanisms, thereby allowing other “bugs” to cause disease.
Rispoval 3 has the longest licensed period of protection of any RSV combination vaccine on the market, providing six months of respiratory protection.
Within beef herds, the cost of a preventative vaccination programme against these common pneumonia viruses is less than 20% of the cost of such an outbreak, according to Pfizer Animal Health.
A primary vaccination regime, consisting of two shots, for a 50 unit herd would cost €650 to €700, less than the price of one dead animal. It is vital that the booster shot and initial primary shot are given, usually three to four weeks apart, advises the company.
The course should be completed at least three weeks in advance of high risk periods such as the of housing animals.
Users should consult their vets for advice on their most appropriate approach to pneumonia prevention.
