Boehringer Ingelheim launches Fencovis®, a new vaccine to prevent calf diarrhea

Boehringer Ingelheim is adding a new vaccine to its bovine vaccine portfolio with the launch of Fencovis®, for the prevention of calf diarrhea, providing passive immunity to calves through the cows' maternal colostrum.

Calf diarrhea, also known as calf scour, is a sign of a range of gastrointestinal diseases affecting unweaned newborn calves. It is multifactorial in nature involving infectious and non-infectious causes. The immature immune system of the neonatal calf that is unable to produce its own antibodies makes calf scour even more challenging to get under control. A 2021 German study reported the incidence of diarrhea to be 18.5% and the most common disease observed in almost 14,000 neonatal calves examined on 731 German dairy herds.² 

With Fencovis®, Boehringer Ingelheim now launches the first vaccine licensed for prevention of calf scour at the World Buiatrics Congress in Madrid, a key event in the cattle industry. Fencovis® is indicated for the active immunization of pregnant heifers and cows to stimulate the development of antibodies against rotavirus, coronavirus, and E. coli F5 (K99) adhesin, resulting in the passive immunization of calves against neonatal diarrhea. In calves fed with colostrum and milk from vaccinated cows, these antibodies have been demonstrated to prevent diarrhea caused by rotavirus and E. coli F5 (K99) adhesin and reduce the incidence and severity of diarrhea caused by coronavirus. Viral shedding in calves infected by rotavirus and coronavirus was also reduced by Fencovis®. 

Together with Fencovis®, Boehringer Ingelheim provides a holistic lean approach to cattle farming through its training and support services. This is aimed at vets to allow them to further improve calf management and ensure optimal gut and immune health, inspiring excellence in calf rearing. 

Gerald Behrens, Global Head of Ruminants at Boehringer Ingelheim, says: “We are excited to launch the first vaccine in the market that prevents calf scour. Fencovis®, together with our lean management trainings for vets, supports excellence in calf management, particularly around the vital feeding of colostrum to calves. Boehringer Ingelheim will provide guidance to veterinarians for the use of lean management tools to maximize the impact of Fencovis® on farm and help farmers produce healthier and more productive calves.”

Following the latest registration studies, Fencovis®, which is a suspension for injection, has been shown to provide unparalleled protection using a non-oil adjuvant. Boehringer Ingelheim’s new vaccine comes with flexible presentations including a single dose pack.

Fencovis® will become available in certain markets within the European Union and in the United Kingdom. 

References

¹www.noahcompendium.co.uk
² Dachrodt L, et al. J Dairy Sci. 2021;104(8):9037–9051

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health

Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health is working on first-in-class innovation for the prediction, prevention, and treatment of diseases in animals. For veterinarians, pet owners, farmers, and governments in more than 150 countries, we offer a large and innovative portfolio of products and services to improve the health and well-being of companion animals and livestock. As a global leader in the animal health industry and as part of family-owned Boehringer Ingelheim, we take a long-term perspective. The lives of animals and humans are interconnected in deep and complex ways. We know that when animals are healthy, humans are healthier too. By using the synergies between our Animal Health and Human Pharma businesses and by delivering value through innovation, we enhance the health and well-being of both. 
For more information visit www.boehringer-ingelheim.com/animal-health.

Boehringer Ingelheim

Boehringer Ingelheim is working on breakthrough therapies that transform lives, today and for generations to come. As a leading research-driven biopharmaceutical company, the company creates value through innovation in areas of high unmet medical need. Founded in 1885 and family-owned ever since, Boehringer Ingelheim takes a long-term perspective. More than 52,000 employees serve over 130 markets in the three business areas, Human Pharma, Animal Health, and Biopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing. Learn more at www.boehringer-ingelheim.com.

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