Pestigard®

Pestigard® is the first vaccine for the prevention of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV), otherwise known as Bovine Pestivirus in cattle in Australia.

Pestigard is the only vaccine registered in Australia that prevents the highly contagious virus called pestivirus. This virus can damage herd reproduction rates and cause immunosuppression in recently infected cattle.

For the active immunisation of cattle against BVDV and to reduce reproductive losses due to BVDV. For the prevention of nasal shedding of BVDV.

BVDV is a widespread disease throughout Australian cattle herds causing significant productivity loss by affecting the reproductive performance of the herd or increasing susceptibility to other common diseases.

• The introduction of a Pestigard® vaccination program will reduce reproductive loss caused by BVDV. Pestigard® will also stimulate active immunity against BVDV which will assist in the reduction of losses associated with the Bovine Respiratory Disease (BRD) complex and other clinical diseases where BVDV is implicated.
• A Pestigard® vaccination program can be conveniently integrated into existing management practices.

The Zoetis Advantage is unique. Only Pestigard®:

• Is registered in Australia to prevent pestivirus. There are no other registered vaccines.
• 100% prevents shedding of pestivirus to safeguard your heifers and cows reproductive potential
• May be given such that the interval between the priming and booster dose can be extended up to 6 months for added convenience, longevity and to easily fit in with farm management practices. However the 2^nd dose must be administered 2-4 weeks prior to joining

• The recommended dose for cattle of all ages is 2mL.
• Two doses of Pestigard® should be administered 4-6 weeks apart with annual boosters thereafter. However the 2^nd dose must be administered 2-4 weeks prior to joining.
• The first dose of Pestigard® may be given up to 6 months before the second dose to suit management practices.
• Immunity does not develop until at least 14 days after the second dose.
• Safe for pregnant cows.

* The interval between the priming and booster can be extended to 6 months
† Ideally it is best to coincide steer vaccination with heifer vaccination

• Store at 2°C to 8°C (Refrigerate. Do Not Freeze)
• It is important that the vaccine is kept properly mixed before and during use.
• For subcutaneous use only.
• Vaccine can be used for 30 days after opening providing correct storage instructions are followed.
• This product can be stored and used for up to 30 days after first opening. On each subsequent reuse, swab the opening with a suitable disinfectant (for example, methylated spirits) both before and after using. A sterile needle must be used each time product is removed. Store unused material upright, at 2°C to 8°C (refrigerated) and in the original cardboard packaging to protect from light.

Avoid Carcass Damage

• Sterilise all injection equipment by boiling in water for 10 minutes before use. Avoid use of strong disinfectants.
• Maintain cleanliness at all times during vaccination. Great care must be taken to avoid contamination of the vaccine, needle and internal parts of the syringe by contact with unsterile surfaces or unwashed hands.
• Keep needles sharp and clean. Replace frequently.
• Use the shortest possible needle, not exceeding 15mm in length.
• As far as possible avoid injection of the animals during wet weather or under dusty conditions.
• This product must be injected only under the skin. (subcutaneously).
• Inject high on the neck behind the ear, i.e. under the skin on the side of the neck (just behind and below the base of the ear). Do not inject at any other site.

Schedule:

Nil

The following guidelines have been developed by the BVDV Technical Advisory Group – a group of veterinary researchers and practising veterinarians who provide services to dairy and beef herds and feedlots across Australia. Zoeits Australia kindly provided the funding for this project. The primary objective of these guidelines is to improve decision making on investigation and control of BVDV infection in cattle.

1. Guidelines for the investigation and control of BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus or Bovine Pestivirus) in beef and dairy herds and feedlots
       3rd Edition December 2011       (Click Here)

2. Guidelines for BVDV (Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus or Bovine Pestivirus)
       Testing for Veterinarians 2010       (Click Here)                                                                                      

Hard Working Protection for Cattle

Stop the Pestivirus Knock On - Start Vaccinating Heifers