This product has been shown to be effective for the vaccination of healthy sheep and goats against contagious Ecthyma (Sore Mouth Disease). This product was licensed prior to the requirement to establish a minimum age for use. The duration of immunity is unknown. For information regarding efficacy and safety data, seeproductdata.aphis.usda.gov.
Ovine Ecthyma (Sore Mouth) is a contagious disease of sheep and goats caused by a virus. It is characterized by vesicular, pustular lesions that progress to the formation of thick scabs on the lips or the skin.
Infected sucklings may transmit the infection to the udder of susceptible ewes, which limits nursing, leading to severe economic impact from loss of weight and condition. Spontaneous healing in 4-5 weeks may occur without treatment; however, if secondary bacterial infection develops, fatalities can range from 10-50 percent.
Treatment is difficult. In small flocks, scabs can be removed and lesions cleansed. A penetrating antiseptic may be of limited value regarding bacterial infections; however, preventative vaccination is the best procedure.
Because dried scabs retain the infective virus which is resistant to heat and cold and can survive from year to year, vaccinating new lambs and kids is advisable. Range lambs moving into feedlots should be vaccinated at least 14 days before shipment to prevent possible spread of virus after arrival.
Do not vaccinate within 21 days before slaughter or within 24 hours of dipping or spraying. Use entire contents when first opened. Do not mix with other products other than enclosed diluent. Inactivate unused contents before disposal.
Contains Penicillin G and Streptomycin Sulfate as preservatives. Packaged in 100 dose size.
REHYDRATING:
Rehydrate with accompanying diluent just prior to use. Contents of the diluent vial may be withdrawn with a sterile syringe and needle, without removing the stoppers, and transferred to the bottle of dried vaccine. If a syringe is not convenient the aluminum seals may be removed and diluent poured into the vaccine bottle.
Shake well after rehydrating until the dried virus is completely dissolved. Live virus products contain a stabilizer that may slow rehydration slightly but complete liquefaction will take place within a few moments.
Storage: Store at 2-8°C.
Dosage & Administration
The recommended single dose for both sheep and goats is one drop of vaccine, approximately 0.04 ml. There are 100 doses per bottle of vaccine, approx. 0.04 ml per dose (one drop). Rehydrate vaccine with accompanying diluent immediately before use. Shake well until completely dissolved.
Select a wool free area of skin such as inside the flask and scarify the outer layer by scratching with the notched handle of the applicator furnished as a part of the package. Scratching should not be deep enough to cause bleeding but should be sufficient to roughen the skin. Scarified area should be at least one square inch. The brush end of the applicator should be dipped into the bottle and the vaccine then vigorously brushed into the prepared scarified area.
Reddening and a slight swelling of the site of administration should be observed a few days after vaccination. The area will raise, rupture, and scab over representing a “take”, indicating a successful vaccination. Scabs will dry and fall off in about 2 to 4 weeks.
Historically, annual revaccination is recommended. Contact veterinarian for advice.
Precautions
- Brushes and scarifiers should be used only in a single flock of sheep. If the scarifier/applicator is needed a second time, it should be sterilized by boiling in water for several minutes.
- Do not use disinfectants to sterilize equipment.
- In the event of human exposure, contact a physician. Safety in pregnant animals is unknown.