Boehringer Ingelheim, a leader in animal health, is pleased to announce that cattle producers can confidently use its live double deleted BVDV (bovine viral diarrhea virus) vaccine Bovela® to control BVD. Results from the ADVANCE study, conducted by Boehringer Ingelheim in Europe and published in PLOS One2, a peer-reviewed publication, demonstrate that cows vaccinated with Bovela® produce more milk than non-vaccinated herd mates.
The ADVANCE study changes the perception of BVD’s impact on dairy farming. As a result of the ADVANCE study we now know that:
Key findings1
- BVD not only causes poor fertility but also a significant loss in production, even in environments where animals are assumed to have protection, due to previous exposure to the disease
- Cows vaccinated with Bovela® produce more milk than the non-vaccinated cows, even in herds with endemic BVD
- The economic benefit of vaccinating with Bovela, on milk production, is up to 63 euros per cow per lactation
In order to demonstrate additional benefits of Bovela®, the Boehringer Ingelheim’s team investigated the effect of vaccination on milk production in commercial dairy herds infected with BVD virus.
“BVD is one of the most important diseases affecting cattle. It has a profound negative impact on both animal health and farm profitability. At Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health, we are committed to continuing the fight against BVD. The ADVANCE study literally advances our scientific understanding of this complex disease and reassures our veterinarians and farmers that, in selecting Bovela®, they are getting additional benefits,” commented Dr. Gerald Behrens, Head of Global Strategic Marketing Ruminants at Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health.
ADVANCE study facts
- The largest peer-reviewed trial of cattle in Europe
- Performed across three of the major EU countries (France, Italy and the UK)
- Data from 1,197 animals (representing 1,559 lactations)
Furthermore, the findings of ADVANCE could be an additional consideration for the cost-benefit analyses of BVD control programs; milk production losses are an important component of the economic losses due to BVD and may be hidden.
