Footvax^® Questions and Answers

For the active immunisation of sheep as an aid to the prevention of footrot and reduction of lesions of footrot caused by serotypes of Dichelobacter nodosus.

Although not specifically contraindicated, we generally advise a minimum of 6 weeks between Footvax vaccination and tupping because:

• In common with any vaccination there may be a transient rise in temperature that could affect fertility
• Transient lameness following vaccination might affect willingness to mate

Please refer to the SPC for further details.

When treating sheep previously vaccinated with Footvax with endoparasiticide injections, please ensure you refer to the respective product SPC and product contraindications prior to use.

No information is available on the safety and efficacy of this vaccine when used with any other veterinary medicinal product.

A decision to use this vaccine before or after any other veterinary medicinal product therefore needs to be decided on a case by case basis. Therefore, we would recommend a minimum two-week interval between two products.

The datasheet states not to vaccinate sheep within 6 - 8 weeks of shearing.

Injection site lumps can occur post vaccination which may result in trauma to the vaccination site during shearing. Therefore, we would not advise vaccination prior to shearing.

There is no minimum age for administration of Footvax. However, foot problems prior to 4 months of age are usually caused by scald rather than footrot and there are other treatment methods for managing this condition.

While the lambs are at foot, it is more efficient to vaccinate the ewes to reduce infection pressure. Do not vaccinate ewes in the period of 4 weeks before lambing to 4 weeks after lambing.

As per the datasheet, a single dose of vaccine should be given to the flock immediately the disease becomes apparent. For maximum effect, treatment with Footvax should be combined with the use of the FAI 5 point plan.

Footvax can be used alongside antibiotic treatment as part of a treatment programme on the advice of the prescribing veterinary surgeon which would be in line with the SPC.

Footvax is licensed for the active immunisation of sheep as an aid to the prevention of footrot and reduction of lesions of footrot caused by serotypes of Dichelobacter nodosus.

Contagious ovine digital dermatitis is caused by the Treponeme spp. and MSD Animal Health have no trial work or data to suggest that Footvax would be effective against contagious ovine digital dermatitis.

Footvax is licensed for the active immunisation of sheep as an aid to the prevention of footrot and reduction of lesions of footrot caused by serotypes of Dichelobacter nodosus.

Scald is classed as an earlier stage of footrot and MSD Animal Health do not hold data regarding the use of Footvax for this purpose.

Administration: Subcutaneous use.

Dose: 1 ml.

This vaccine should be administered by subcutaneous injection underneath a skinfold in the neck at least 5 – 8 cm behind the ear to strictly avoid muscle and nervous tissues in the neck.

Shake bottle thoroughly before use.

Particularly strict precautions should be taken against contamination of the vaccine. Sterile syringes and needles should be used and the injection made through an area of clean, dry skin, taking strict precautions against contamination in order to reduce the possibility of abscess formation.

We recommend the use of the MSD Animal Health 1 ml / 2 ml Subcutaneous Vaccination Pack to help minimise bacterial contamination from wool and skin that may cause abscesses.

The vaccine contains an oil adjuvant and it will aid administration in cold weather if the vaccine is gently warmed by immersion in warm water (not hot) for 3-4 minutes prior to use.

Yes, but not within 4 weeks either side of lambing: this is to avoid stress at critical times.

Yes, all sheep in the flock should be vaccinated. However, although not specifically contraindicated, we would suggest not giving Footvax within six weeks of mating as any stress during this time can temporarily affect fertility.

Yes. It is not uncommon for sheep to get a sterile lump at the site of injection but this tends to resolve over a 4-10 week period. For this reason, avoid vaccinating sheep within 6-8 weeks of shearing and discuss timing of vaccination in show sheep or breeding sheep for sale with your flock health advisor.

If infection is introduced via a contaminated needle this can cause an abscess so ensure to use sterile injection equipment at all times.

Start vaccination with a single 1 ml subcutaneous injection. It is advisable to give two injections 6 weeks apart where there is a high incidence of footrot, or in the face of a severe outbreak. Revaccination may be necessary at 4-5 monthly intervals.

However, a single annual booster may be sufficient once lameness due to footrot has been successfully reduced to a very low incidence, or where there is a clear annual risk period. Timing should be 4 weeks before risk periods, e.g. housing.

The withdrawal period following the use of Footvax is zero days.

Do not use in lactating dairy sheep.

Store and transport refrigerated (2°C to 8°C). Protect from light. Do not freeze.