Vets Learn More About Equine Immunomodulators From Zoetis

Twenty UK equine vets benefited from a scientific update on immunomodulators at Royal Ascot this season, hosted by Zoetis. A new study on the efficacy of immunomodulators in reducing EHV-1 and S.equi shedding was presented and a clinical perspective on its use in a commercial Thoroughbred stud was given by a vet in practice. Wendy Talbot, National Equine Veterinary Manager at Zoetis, presented data from a new study of weanling cobs, showing that the administration of an immunomodulator significantly reduces clinical signs and shedding associated with Equine herpes virus-1 and S.equi compared to a control group.¹ The study involved 23 male cobs that were exposed to EHV challenged horses on day 0. On day 3, a concurrent S.equi infection was diagnosed. Eleven of the cobs received three doses of inactivated Parapox ovis virus (IPPOV), Zylexis, on days -2, day 0 and day 7, while the remaining 12 animals received a placebo water for injection. Nasal swabs were taken for virus or bacterial detection. The results showed that Zylexis administration significantly reduced clinical signs and shedding associated with EHV-1 and S. equi compared with the control. On the use of immunomodulators in practice, Peter Ravenhill, Director at B&W Equine Group Ltd, provided a clinical perspective on the use of Zylexis on a commercial Thoroughbred stud, where the main focus is on the production and sale of premium foals and yearlings for Tattersalls sales. The stud chose to use Zylexis to help prepare six yearlings for the Tattersalls sales in Newmarket last October. Zylexis was used in yearlings perceived to be at greater risk of respiratory disease, as part of their preparation for the sales. Peter Ravenhill explains: “Outbreaks of respiratory disease can prevent yearlings from achieving their true potential at sales due to poor growth and general lack of condition. The six yearlings in which Zylexis was used did not suffer from any signs of respiratory disease during the preparation period and only one sold for less than anticipated. The stud now uses Zylexis routinely for all stock to reduce the impact of respiratory disease in foals and yearlings associated with a stress/crowding/co-mingling situations, prior to and during sales preparation, in addition to routine vaccination programmes against influenza and EHV 1,4.” A presentation was also given by Dr Tim Brazil, European Specialist in Equine Internal Medicine, who explored when and why immunomodulators might be used in equine practice. Dr Julius Wegert, from the Horse clinic Lüsche in North Germany, explained how Zylexis is used in Germany. Wendy Talbot said: “Attending vets said they found the day eye-opening and informative. Zylexis has been licensed in the States and in Germany for a number of years. We believe it is a useful addition to the veterinary surgeon’s portfolio to minimise the impact of respiratory disease.” References ¹ Ons, E., van Brussel, L., Lane, S., King, V., Cullinane, A., Kenna, R., Lyons, P., Hammond, T.-A., Salt, J., Raue, R. 2014. Efficacy of a Parapoxvirus ovis-based immunomodulator against Equine Herpesvirus type 1 and Streptococcus equi equi infections in horses. Veterinary Microbiology, in press.

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