Enzovax
Active substance
ATC code
Species
Susceptible female breeding sheep.
Indications
For the active immunisation of susceptible female breeding sheep to reduce abortion caused by Chlamydophila abortus infection.
Challenge studies have demonstrated that protection against Enzootic abortion and excretion of Chlamydophila abortus post-challenge is undiminished for at least three years post vaccination with Enzovax.
Field studies in endemically infected flocks maintaining a policy of vaccinating incoming ewes with Enzovax indicate that enzootic abortion levels remain very low in ewes vaccinated 4 years previously.
Dose to be administered and administration route
Dose: 2 ml by intramuscular or subcutaneous injection.
Reconstitution:
The vaccine is reconstituted with Unisolve immediately prior to use, allowing 2 ml of solvent per dose.
If using the vented transfer device push one end of the device through the centre of the vaccine vial using a firm, twisting action. Similarly, push the Unisolve vial onto the opposite end of the device taking care to ensure the spike penetrates the centre of the vial bung. Carefully allow solvent to flow into the vaccine vial without completely filling it. Ensure the vaccine plug is fully dissolved and then invert until all the vaccine suspension drains into the solvent vial . Remove the empty vaccine vial and the transfer spike from the solvent vial and place them into an appropriate disinfectant solution.
Alternatively, remove approximately 5 ml of Unisolve from the vial with a syringe and needle, inject into the vaccine vial and swirl gently until the vaccine plug is fully dissolved. Remove the vaccine suspension from the vial, re-inject into the solvent vial and mix gently. Great care should be taken not to generate an aerosol. After reconstitution the vaccine should be kept cool and used as soon as possible (within 2 hours).
Administration
Ewe lambs, where it is intended to breed from them, may be vaccinated from 5 months of age. Shearlings and older ewes should be vaccinated during the 4 month period prior to mating.
Vaccination must take place at least 4 weeks before mating.
Injection equipment
To minimise the risk of self-injection the vaccine should be administered using a disposable automatic syringe fitted with a guarded needle system according to the manufacturer's instructions. It is vital that a vented draw off tube is used with this equipment.
Regular checks should be made to ensure the syringes are properly calibrated. Carefully attach the vial of reconstituted vaccine to the injection equipment and avoid creating aerosols during the priming process. It may be advisable to wear a visor while carrying out this operation.
Re-vaccination policy
Challenge studies have demonstrated that protection against Enzootic abortion and excretion of Chlamydophila abortus post-challenge is undiminished for at least three years post vaccination with Enzovax.
Re-vaccination is recommended every 3-4 years depending on farm management practices and conditions.
Field studies in endemically infected flocks maintaining a policy of vaccinating incoming ewes with Enzovax indicate that enzootic abortion levels remain very low in ewes vaccinated 4 years previously.
Adverse reactions
A transient temperature rise may be observed after vaccination (average of up to 1.5˚C for a maximum of 3 days).
In very rare cases abortions may occur where the vaccine strain can be identified.
Hypersensitivity reactions (i.e. tachypnoea, pale mucous membranes, collapse) may occur very rarely. Such reactions may evolve to a more severe condition (anaphylaxis), which may be life-threatening.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined using the following convention:
- very common (more than 1 in 10 animals treated displaying adverse reaction(s))
- common (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 100 animals treated)
- uncommon (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 1,000 animals treated)
- rare (more than 1 but less than 10 animals in 10,000 animals treated)
- very rare (less than 1 animal in 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports).
