March 22, 2012

MSD Animal Health introduces new macrolide and IB management strategy

At the fifth scientific symposium, organiser MSD Animal Health showcased several new products and ideas, including a new-generation macrolide and a management strategy to protect poultry against infectious bronchitis (IB).

A new-generation macrolide, Zuprevo^® (tildipirosin) is an injectable antibiotic available in special formulations for non-lactating cattle and swine.

According to company scientists, Zuprevo's fast onset and long duration of activity are due to tildipirosin's unique molecular makeup as the only 16-membered, tribasic macrolide. It also boasts a shorter withdrawal period than other injectable macrolides, high level of safety and good syringeability.

Protectotypeâ„¢ is a field-proven concept or management strategy for using existing vaccines to protect poultry against ever-changing variants IB.

Research and diagnostic work sponsored by MSD Animal Health has shown that some IB virus serotypes cross-protect against other IB serotypes. Strategically using live and inactivated IB vaccines from more than one serotype can provide a spectrum of control that is "larger than the sum of the vaccines' parts," scientists explained.

MSD Animal Health is the global animal health business unit of Merck. It offers veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services to veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries and its products are available in 150 markets. The company is known as Merck Animal Health in the United States and Canada and is formerly known as Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health.