Scabivax^® Forte Questions and Answers

For the active immunisation of sheep and lambs against Orf to reduce clinical signs and/or lesions of the disease.

Immunity develops within 4-8 weeks of vaccination and is protective against severe signs of contagious pustular dermatitis for at least 12 months.

Ewes: Pregnant ewes should be vaccinated behind the elbow/in the axilla (between the top of the foreleg and the chest wall), to prevent infection of the udder and subsequent transmission to lambs. Vaccinate ewes 7-8 weeks before lambing. Do not vaccinate ewes less than 7 weeks before lambing or housing for lambing.

Ewes with unvaccinated lambs at foot are best to have their vaccination delayed until the lambs are weaned, except in case of emergency. Vaccinate these ewes as for pregnant ewes.

Lambs: Lambs may be vaccinated at any time from birth. Young (i.e. unweaned) lambs should be vaccinated in the axilla.

MSD Animal Health would not recommend vaccinating individuals showing clinical signs as the onset of immunity is 4 to 8 weeks, therefore they would not gain benefit from this vaccination.

Vaccination of ewes should be completed at least 7-8 weeks before or housing for lambing.

Scabivax Forte should not be used on farms or in flocks where Orf has not previously been diagnosed.

As per the datasheet, immunity develops within 4-8 weeks of vaccination and is protective against severe signs of contagious pustular dermatitis for at least 12 months.

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 made on a case by case basis.

Care should be taken to avoid treatment of the animals near the period of vaccination with substances or medications that might interfere with the “take” of this live vaccine.

Below is a link to a useful video independently produced by Nottingham University on vaccination with Scabivax Forte:

No adverse effect has been recorded as a result of the use of this vaccine during pregnancy, at 7-8 weeks prior to lambing; do not use within 7 weeks of lambing. Do not use in other stages of pregnancy.

Lactating ewes can be vaccinated; ewes with lambs at foot should only be vaccinated at the recommended site.

Store and transport refrigerated (2°C - 8°C). Protect from light.

The shelf life after first broaching Scabivax Forte is 8 hours.