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Immunity Is Key To Control Coccidiosis

13 years ago
10142 views

Posted
26th January, 2011 09h39


Vets at Janssen Animal Health say that the weight of evidence from studies that have taken place over the years shows that the treatment of coccidiosis with diclazuril (Vecoxan® 2.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension) does not interfere with the development of natural immunity.1,2 In lambs, the disease sometimes goes unrecognized at lambing time as scouring can be mild, but reduced weight gain could extend rearing time to slaughter. Subclinical disease is also a concern in calves, leading to significant economic loss. Immunity Most animals that survive an infection normally go on to develop a natural immunity that reduces their likelihood of becoming infected by the same organism in the future. Only the development of natural immunity will provide long term protection to lambs and calves against coccidiosis.The Evidence Using Vecoxan® 2.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension to control coccidiosis manages the animal’s exposure to the disease, controlling the disease while posing no barrier to the development of immunity. This was confirmed in a study involving two groups of calves which were infected with Eimeria parasites1. One group (A) was treated with the standard dose of Vecoxan 14 days after infection, while the other group was left untreated (B). The untreated group (B) developed clinical signs of disease while the treated group (A) remained healthy and excreted fewer oocysts. Seven weeks later a third group of calves (C) that had never been exposed to the parasite was added and all three groups exposed to the disease. The previously unexposed group (C) developed diarrhoea, some with blood. Neither of the previously infected groups (A and B) showed signs of diarrhoea - faecal consistency was 92% better in the Vecoxan® group A and 87% better in group B when compared to group C. In addition, the previously treated group (A) excreted far fewer oocysts, showing a 67% reduction compared to group C. This reduced excretion did not occur in group B calves that had previously been exposed to the disease but had not been treated. In summary, when calves are treated with Vecoxan® and later exposed to a significant oocyst challenge, the clinical signs were shown to be much milder and future oocyst excretion reduced. The reduction in oocyst excretion means that environmental contamination is reduced, aiding in controlling the spread of disease. Lamb Studies Additional studies demonstrate that there is similar evidence from trials in sheep that confirm that diclazuril (Vecoxan® 2.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension) does not interfere with the formation of natural immunity2. The studies also confirm the Vecoxan® can be used both to prevent and treat coccidiosis. The Mechansim The effects of Vecoxan® should not be confused with the effects of a vaccine, which in itself provokes an immune response. Vecoxan® works by managing the animals exposure to the parasite, allowing the natural immune response to develop, while preventing disease. It has also been suggested that Vecoxan®, by causing the rapid death of coccidial lifestages, may increase the uptake of coccidial proteins by the gut and allow more prompt recognition by the immune system, enhancing the immune response. 3 Support A new desk mat has been produced by Janssen to give front of house and counter staff a reminder of the key points about coccidiosis and new explanatory leaflets for clients are also available free of charge to veterinary practices and licensed agricultural merchants. Contact your Janssen Animal Health Territory Manager for further information. References
  1. Agneessens J, Goossens L, Louineau J, Daugschies A, Veys P, Build up of immunity after a diclazuril (Vecoxan®) treatment in calves , Poster at 24th World Buiatrics Congress, Nice 2006
  2. Cieslicki M, Diclazuril (Vecoxan®), ein neues produkt zur metaphylaxe und therapie der kokzidiose des schafes, Tierärztl Prax 2001; 29(G): 73-77.
  3. Taylor MA, Catchpole J, Marshall J, Marshall RN, Hoeben D, Histopathological observations on the activity of diclazuril (Vecoxan®) against the endogenous stages of Eimeria crandallis in sheep. Veterinary Parasitology 116 (2003) 305-314
  4. Vecoxan® 2.5 mg/ml Oral Suspension contains diclazuril 2.5 mg/ml Legal Category POM-VPS.
Further information is available from Janssen Animal Health, 50-100 Holmers Farm Way, High Wycombe, Bucks. HP12 4EG. TEL: 01494 567555. FAX: 01494 567556. Email: [email protected]. Use medicines responsibly www.noah.co.uk/responsible Advice of the use of this or alternative medicines should be sought from the medicine prescriber. For full contraindications and warnings please refer to the SPC

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