Pregsure BVD still safe despite withdrawl in Germany

Farmers should not stop vaccinating cattle against bovine viral diarrhoea with Pfizer’s Pregsure BVD vaccine, despite the product’s voluntary withdrawal from the market in Germany following a high incidence of bovine neonatal pancytopenia (BNP) – formerly known as bleeding calf syndrome.

The association of BNP with BVD vaccination is one of a number of possible causes being investigated by research bodies across Europe, explains Pfizer’s Ed Ferguson. “While a causal relationship between Pregsure BVD and BNP has not been established the decision has been made to stop selling the product in Germany.

“Pfizer is actively working in conjunction with research bodies to further investigate BNP. The decision to stop sales in Germany, which has the highest incidence of BNP in Europe, is part of a wider strategy to identify the exact causes of the emerging syndrome.”

In a statement the Vet Medicines Directorate said no direct link between the use of Pregsure BVD and BNP has been proven. “But the VMD has received reports of suspected adverse reactions with symptoms typical of BNP in which Pregsure BVD was one of the vaccines used. As of 28 February 2010 the incidence of these reactions in the UK was one animal for every 24,947 doses sold. At this stage the benefits of the vaccine are considered to outweigh the risks.”

In Germany there have been eight cases of BNP for every 10,000 doses of Pregsure BVD sold, explained Dr Ferguson. “It is anticipated that the future pattern of BNP cases in Germany may subsequently yield useful epidemiological information in understanding BNP. The appearance of BNP has occurred several years after the product’s launch suggesting, in accordance with the thinking of independent experts, that other factors are likely to be involved,” he added.