New oral vaccine is launched for prevention of 2 canine respiratory pathogens

Merck Animal Health has announced the domestic launch of the first oral Bordetella bronchiseptica and canine parainfluenza virus vaccine with mucosal protection and easy oral administration. The Nobivac Intra-Trac Oral BbPi formulation is expected to become available for veterinary clinics to purchase in the United States in fall 2022, the company noted in an organizational release.¹

The vaccine has been shown to be effective for vaccination of healthy dogs aged 7 weeks or older against canine parainfluenza virus and Bordetella bronchiseptica. The product is thimerosal-free and contains no preservatives, and it affords veterinarians and support staff the ability to offer clients dual protection against 2 major respiratory pathogens while providing a better vaccination experience for dogs, according to Merck Animal Health.

Additionally, the novel technology of the Immuno-Mist-R applicator by Intervet, a Merck & Co. subsidiary, was instrumental in achieving an effective oral parainfluenza vaccine. This unique applicator provides extensive spray coverage more efficiently and delivers broad protection for dogs while enhancing ease of use for veterinarians and veterinary technicians, as well as comfort for canine patients, according the company.

“For dogs in social environments, including parks, boarding kennels and daycares, coinfection of the respiratory tract with 2 or more pathogens is often observed,” said Madeleine Stahl, DVM, associate director medical affairs, Merck Animal Health, in an organizational news release. “Given the role that Bordetella and parainfluenza play in the canine infectious respiratory disease complex, preventing the spread of both is critical to protect the respiratory health of social dogs and lessen the possibility of future outbreaks—and Nobivac Intra-Trac Oral BbPi does just that.”

Canine parainfluenza spreads rapidly among susceptible dogs that interact with one another frequently or are housed in close confinement and is among the most common causes of highly contagious acute-onset cough in dogs throughout the world.² Because the virus is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected dogs for up to 10 days after infection and is transmitted through the air, it can quickly become difficult to control.^2,3

“We are confident that both veterinary professionals and the dogs in their care will benefit from the convenience and comfort that Nobivac Intra-Trac Oral BbPi offers, against 2 very important respiratory pathogens in dogs,” said Laura Greene, DVM, DACVIM sr. professional services veterinarian – internal medicine at Merck Animal Health, in the release.

The vaccine will be available for veterinary professionals to administer in trays of 25 x 1 dose desiccated vaccine vials and 25 x 1 dose (1 mL) sterile diluent vials. The product is administered by gently misting the vaccine orally towards the back of the mouth. Luer lock syringes demarcated with green plungers and labeled for use with the dual vaccine as well as applicator tips will be provided with the purchase of each vaccine tray to enable proper administration.

References

1. Merck Animal Health Launches Nobivac® Intra-Trac® Oral BbPi for Dual Prevention of Two Major Canine Respiratory Pathogens. Merck Animal Health. September 12, 2022. Accessed September 13, 2022. https://www.merck-animal-health-usa.com/newsroom/nobivac-intra-track-oral-bbpi
2. Ford R. Canine infectious respiratory disease. In: Greene CE, ed. Infectious Diseases of the Dog and Cat. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Saunders/Elsevier;2012:55-65.
3. Buonavoglia C, Martella V. Canine respiratory viruses. Vet Res. 2007;38:355–373.