Improvac
Active substance
ATC code
Species
Male pigs (from 8 weeks of age). Female pigs (from 10 weeks of age).
Indications
Male pigs:
Induction of antibodies against GnRF to produce a temporary immunological suppression of testicular function. For use as an alternative to physical castration for the reduction of boar taint caused by the key boar taint compound androstenone, in entire male pigs following the onset of puberty.
Another key contributor to boar taint, skatole, may also be reduced as an indirect effect. Aggressive and sexual (mounting) behaviours are also reduced.
The onset of immunity (induction of anti-GnRF antibodies) can be expected within 1 week post second vaccination. Reduction of androstenone and skatole levels has been demonstrated from 4 to 6 weeks post second vaccination. This reflects the time needed for clearance of boar taint compounds already present at the time of vaccination as well as the variability of response between individual animals. Reduction of aggressive and sexual (mounting) behaviours can be expected from 1 to 2 weeks post second vaccination.
Female pigs:
Induction of antibodies against GnRF to produce a temporary immunological suppression of ovarian function (suppression of oestrus) in order to reduce the incidence of unwanted pregnancies in gilts intended for slaughter, and to reduce the associated sexual behaviour (standing oestrus).
The onset of immunity (induction of anti-GnRF antibodies) can be expected within 1 week post second vaccination. Reduction of sexual behaviour (standing oestrus) can be expected from 1 to 2 weeks post second vaccination. The duration of immunological suppression of ovarian function has been demonstrated for 9 weeks after the second vaccination.
Dose to be administered and administration route
Subcutaneous use.
Entire male pigs from 8 weeks of age onwards should be vaccinated with 2 doses of 2 ml at least 4 weeks apart, with the second dose normally given 4 to 6 weeks prior to slaughter. If slaughter is intended to be later than 10 weeks after the second dose a third dose should be given 4 to 6 weeks before the planned slaughter date. In case of suspected misdosing, the animal should be revaccinated immediately.
Female pigs from 10 weeks of age onwards should be vaccinated with 2 doses of 2 ml administered 4 to 8 weeks apart. In case of suspected misdosing, the animal should be revaccinated immediately.
Administer by subcutaneous injection in the neck, immediately behind the ear, using a safety vaccinator. As a guide, use a short needle (16G, typically) to give 12 to 15 mm penetration. To avoid intramuscular deposition and lesions, it is recommended to use a shorter needle to give 5 mm to 9 mm penetration in undersized pigs and pigs younger than 16 weeks of age. Note that when using a safety vaccinator part of the needle will be covered by the needle guard and will not penetrate the pig. Depending on the type of safety vaccinator, pressure may also be put on the skin and push the needle a few millimetres deeper into the tissue. These circumstances should be taken into account when choosing an appropriate needle length. Follow instructions for proper subcutaneous injection provided with the device used. Avoid introduction of contamination. Avoid injecting pigs that are wet and dirty. Allow the vaccine to reach room temperature (15-25 ˚C) before administration.
Adverse reactions
Male pigs (from 8 weeks of age). Female pigs (from10 weeks of age).
|
Very common (>1 animal / 10 animals treated): |
injection site swelling 2-8 cm in diametera elevated temperature (around 0.5 °C during the 24 hours after vaccination in males and around 1.0 – 1.3 °C during the 24 hours after vaccination in females) |
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Very rare (<1 animal / 10,000 animals treated, including isolated reports): |
anaphylactoid reaction (dyspnoea, collapse, cyanosis and hypersalivation associated with or without twitching or emesis) within a few minutes after vaccination with a duration of up to 30 minutesb |
aWhen administered to pigs at the youngest recommended age (8 weeks), injection site swellings of up to 4 x 8 cm are very commonly observed. A gradual resolution of the local reactions occurs, but in 20 – 30% of the animals these may persist for more than 42 days.
When administered to older pigs (14–23 weeks of age) injection site swellings may occur very commonly. Injection site swellings ranging from 2 cm to 5 cm in diameter are commonly observed, and injection site reactions at slaughter are commonly observed if the second vaccination is given only 4 weeks before slaughter.
bIn a small number of animals, death occurred following the reaction, however most animals recovered without treatment and did not appear to react to subsequent vaccinations.
Reporting adverse events is important. It allows continuous safety monitoring of a veterinary medicinal product. Reports should be sent, preferably via a veterinarian, to either the marketing authorisation holder or its local representative or the national competent authority via the national reporting system. See also the last section of the package leaflet for respective contact details.
