Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health has announced the availability of Onset 5 IN, the first intranasally-administered, five-way modified live virus (MLV) vaccine for healthy cattle 3-8 days and older.

Onset 5 IN is designed to stimulate at the site of infection an immune response to Bovine Virus Diarrhea (BVD) Type 1 and Type 2, Infectious Bovine Rhinotracheitis (IBR), Parainfluenza3 (PI3) and Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus (BRSV) - the costliest cattle diseases.

As to why the vaccine is administered intranasally, Intervet's manager of Veterinary Technical Services Dr Scott Nordstrom said, "Studies prove even the youngest animals can demonstrate a significant immune response when vaccines were delivered to the appropriate mucosal sites. Onset 5 IN is targeted directly to the appropriate mucosal sites, delivering direct contact between nasal mucosal and respiratory lymph tissues and the vaccine antigens. The result is a fast and safe opportunity to protect young calves and high-stress animals from the five major respiratory diseases".

Nordstrom said the safety and efficacy trials also showed that intranasal administration shuts down viral shedding and has no impact on the white blood cell count or platelets of the animal.

The vaccine is designed for use in both dairy and beef cattle, and is developed to address the immune challenges of newborns and animals under high stress, such as weaned calves and new arrivals post-transport.

Onset 5 IN is available in 5-, 10- and 50-dose presentations and features a unique glyceride-based Blushadow diluent that aids in the retention of the vaccine on nasal mucosal. Vaccination consists of a 2-mL dose into one nostril or 1-mL administration into each nostril.