African Horse Sickness Vaccine

Description:

Freeze-dried, polyvalent, live attenuated horse sickness virus strains for the prophylactic immunisation of horses, mules and donkeys against horse sickness.

The vaccine is presented as two separate injections with different horse sickness virus types. First administer combination 1 and at least three weeks later combination 2.

Store the vaccine in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4 ˚C to 8 ˚C. Do not use the vaccine after the expiry date printed on the bottle.

Recommendations for use:

Foals born of unvaccinated dams can be inoculated at any age but foals of immune dams should not be vaccinated until they are at least six to seven months old. Animals should preferably be immunised during early summer. Immunisation of mares should be avoided during the first three months of pregnancy. Annual immunisation is recommended. It takes up to 2 – 3 vaccinations for horses to become immune to all the serotypes in the vaccine.

It is therefore important to combine vaccination with the control of the Culicoides midges which transmit the disease. Horses can be protected from midge bites by stabling them from dusk to dawn, using insect repellents and keeping animals away from low-lying vlei areas or other surface water during the day.

Warnings:

Do not slaughter animals for human consumption within 7 days of vaccination. Vaccinate healthy animals only. Keep out of reach of children, uninformed persons and animals. The vaccine will not necessarily stimulate a complete immunity in all animals and additional measures must necessarily be taken to ensure protection of horses against horse sickness during the time of the year when the risk of transmission of infection by biting insects is greatest. Although this product has been extensively tested under a large variety of conditions, failure thereof may ensue as a result of a wide range of reasons. If this is suspected, seek veterinary advice and notify the registration holder.

Directions for use:

Use only as directed.

The active ingredient of the vaccine is in the form of a powder or pellet in a small bottle. Connect one of the enclosed needles to one of the syringes with diluent and transfer the contents to bottle no. 1. Mix thoroughly until the powder is dissolved and withdraw the contents into the syringe. The vaccine is now ready for use and must be injected without delay. Avoid exposure to high temperatures and direct sunlight during inoculation. Keep the remainder of the package at 4 ˚C – 8 ˚C for use at least 3 weeks later.

Dosage:

Administer 2 ml by subcutaneous injection.

Effects of vaccine:

Animals inoculated for the first time may react slightly between the seventh and fourteenth day following inoculation. During this period and for a further week these animals should not be worked excessively. Immunity starts to develop two to three weeks after complete inoculation and protection against some of the virus types are achieved after four weeks. Immunity cannot be guaranteed in all animals.

Available in:

Packaging available:

In series of 2 bottles sufficient for 1 dose (1 horse – AHS 1 & AHS 2)

In series of 4 bottles sufficient for 2 doses (2 horses – AHS 1 & AHS 2)

Storage:

Store the vaccine in a refrigerator at a temperature of 4 ˚C to 8 ˚C. Do not use the vaccine after the expiry date printed on the bottle.

Veterinary consultation:

Consult with a Veterinarian regarding the appropriate use of this vaccine.