March 12, 2013

MSD Animal Health introduced INNOVAX^®-ND-SB (or INNOVAX^®-ND) in India, an innovative single-dose recombinant vaccine, based on an HVT-vector, to protect poultry against two potentially devastating diseases: Newcastle disease and Marek's disease (MD).

Newcastle disease (ND) is one of the most costly diseases for poultry producers throughout the world. The cause of ND is a Paramyxo virus. Depending on the virulence of the ND virus strain the clinical signs can differ from subclinical disease leading to respiratory problems to widespread mortality and drops in egg production. Conventional ND vaccination programmes consist of vaccination with live, followed by inactivated ND vaccines

Marek's disease is a disease which is present worldwide and is caused by a herpesvirus. There are generally two forms of Marek's disease. The first, also called (classical) polyneuritis form, affects young birds (less than 16 weeks of age) and results in paralysis and mortality mostly from 5-6 weeks of age onwards. The second, also called "Acute Marek's disease" is seen in birds older than 16 weeks of age. Infection results in tumours, high mortality and immunosuppression.

INNOVAX^®-ND-SB (or INNOVAX^®-ND) is conveniently administered in the hatchery either by in ovo application at 18 days of incubation or to chickens by subcutaneous injection at day of hatch.

"In case of high field infection pressure of ND, INNOVAX^®-ND-SB (or INNOVAX^®-ND) can conveniently be combined with live conventional ND in the hatchery," explains Delair Bolis, MSD Animal Health Global Poultry. "Best of all INNOVAX^®-ND-SB (or INNOVAX^®-ND) causes no vaccination reactions, does not require a second dose and often eliminates the need for additional field vaccination."

INNOVAX^®-ND-SB (or INNOVAX^®-ND) vaccine is safe and effective when used according to the label, offering a high-level of protection against ND and Mareks' disease with a long protection period, eliminating the need for revaccination.

Today's Merck is a global healthcare leader working to help the world be well. MSD Animal Health, known as Merck Animal Health in the US and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments, one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services.