Schering-Plough Animal Health has confirmed that they have gained a provisional marketing authorisation for the introduction of AquaVac* RELERA*, a new bivalent vaccine providing further protection against Enteric Redmouth Disease (ERM). AquaVac RELERA introduced as an immersion vaccination allows farmers to enhance existing vaccination programmes by combining the typical endemic Hagerman Type 1 ERM causing strain of Yersinia ruckeri, with a new biogroup called EX5.
EX5 has been responsible for wide spread losses in the UK Rainbow trout industry and appears to be becoming increasingly prevalent. During the past five years the industry has become aware of this new biogroup and the potential for it to be as equally destructive as the widespread Hagerman Type 1 strain of ERM.
Highlighting the potential for trout farmers, Dr. Chris Gould, Global technical services manager at Schering-Plough Animal Health explains, Existing licensed vaccines do not confer sufficient protection against this new biogroup and it has been necessary to develop a new vaccine which offers full protection. Through collaboration with the UK trout industry, Schering-Plough Animal Health has been able to quickly respond to industry needs, isolate the new biogroup and develop this new vaccine, concludes Dr. Gould.
AquaVac RELERA will be available as a POM-V veterinary product in the UK. Schering-Plough Animal Health is supporting the announcement with a series of communications designed to inform fish vets on the development of AquaVac RELERA and advise on the most appropriate vaccine programmes for clients with ERM.
TheFishSite News Desk
