Bluetongue Vaccine

Company: Colorado Serum

Bluetongue Vaccine, Modified Live Virus, Type 10

U.S. Vet. Lic. No.: 188

Active Ingredient(s): Contains bluetongue vaccine modified live virus, type 10.

Penicillin and streptomycin are added as preservatives.

The advantages of the tissue culture technique for viral vaccine production are well understood and widely accepted in medical circles. The successful propagation of bluetongue virus in a tissue culture system has made it possible to obtain a relatively tissue-free suspension with a high virus titer and permits a more accurate determination of virus yield.

Bluetongue Vaccine Indications

For the vaccination of healthy sheep and goats against type 10 bluetongue infections.

Dosage and Administration

The incidence of bluetongue is seasonal, with animals usually contracting the disease in August and September due to the virus being transmitted by biting insects. Treatment is almost totally ineffective and preventive vaccination, late in the spring or in the early summer is not only recommended but becomes vitally important.

Lambs from immune ewes carry a degree of resistance to bluetongue which may last as long as three (3) months. As lambs approach weaning time the maternal antibody disappears and the acquired resistance can breakdown in the face of field exposure. It is at this time that lambs should be vaccinated. If vaccinated too young the “maternal antibody” may interfere with the proper active immune response.

The vaccination of pregnant ewes could result in births of abnormal lambs and this practice is not recommended. Instead, all breeding stock should be protected with BLUETONGUE VACCINE approximately three (3) weeks prior to the breeding season or after lambing.

The entire contents of the accompanying vial of diluent should be withdrawn with a syringe and needle and transferred into the vial of dried vaccine. Do not remove the stoppers from either vial. Shake the vaccine bottle until the dried material is completely rehydrated. Live virus products contain a stabilizer that may slow rehydration slightly but complete liquefaction will take place within a few moments. The vaccine is then ready to use. Use only the diluent furnished with the product to rehydrate the vaccine.

Shake to ensure proper rehydration and inject 2 mL of the rehydrated vaccine intramuscularly or subcutaneously into each animal. The axillary space (between foreleg and body) is a convenient site. Sterile technique should be used.

Precaution(s): Store in the dark at 2-7°C. Shake gently after rehydrating.

Sterilize needles and syringes by boiling in clean water. Do not use chemical disinfectants or detergents for this purpose.

Use the entire contents when the bottle is first opened. Burn the container and all unused contents.

Caution(s): Anaphylaxis (shock) may sometimes follow the use of products of this nature. Epinephrine or an equivalent drug should be available for immediate use in these instances. Artificial respiration is also helpful.

Do not administer to pregnant animals.

For veterinary use only.

Warning(s): Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter.

Discussion: Bluetongue, originally known as sore muzzle, is a disease of sheep and goats caused by a filterable virus. In addition to serotype 10 types 11, 13 and 17 have been isolated in sheep in the United States. The disease encompasses a wide range of symptoms, including a high temperature and dullness. Mucous membranes of the nasal cavity and of the mouth take on a bluish or purplish color, leading to the bluetongue terminology applied to the disease.

Ulcers may appear on the gums, lips, face, ears and on the neck. Affected animals are often stiff and some may die. Mortality is occasionally high but usually does not exceed 15% of the affected animals. The greatest economic loss results from poor condition, long convalescence, interruption of breeding schedules and lowered wool value.

Presentation: Each package contains one bottle containing dried BLUETONGUE VACCINE serotype 10, and a second bottle of sterile diluent in 50 dose (100 mL) vials.

CPN: 11010011