Oral Vaccination Learning Program Teaches Success
Producers like the benefits of administering vaccine via the drinking water.
To help support oral vaccine users with handling and administration techniques, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI), developed the Oral Vaccination Learning Program.
The program is structured to train both veterinarians and producers to ensure best practices for on-farm storage, handling and vaccine application.
Calling it a customer support tool, Dr. Jeff Husa, BIVI technical product manager, said the Oral Vaccination Learning Program started with the Veterinary Partners Program. In this program, BIVI professional services veterinarians partner with swine practitioners on disease diagnostics, timing of vaccination and handling/administration procedures.
The second arm of the Oral Vaccination Learning Program is now in place to assist production personnel. “The biggest difference between this new Oral Vaccination Specialist Program and the veterinary version is diagnostics: what diseases are present, when infection begins, and the most common question, when to vaccinate,” explained Husa.
Millions of pigs have now been effectively vaccinated using PQA-friendly oral vaccines. As with any vaccination or medication, care must be taken with this approach to maximize population protection.
A few tips for success:
• Schedule vaccination to allow for onset of
immunity prior to infection,
• Ensure 6-hour administration,
• Correctly store and prepare vaccine, and
• Confirm diagnostics.
Research shows that oral vaccination through drinking water provides excellent disease protection while eliminating risks associated with injections. Another convenience is simultaneous use with other Boehringer Ingelheim orally administered vaccines.
Husa pointed out that three oral vaccines are now approved for concurrent administration in the same stock solution vessel – Enterisol Ileitis FF, Enterisol SC-54 FF and Ingelvac® ERY-ALC. “That can be very convenient in some situations. In other situations, timing of vaccine requires they be given separately.
“For many, using water delivery requires trust,” said Husa. “Once they’ve seen oral vaccination succeed, they’re very happy with it. And oral vaccination is extremely compatible with Pork Quality Assurance programs.”