MSD Animal Health reports Schmallenberg virus trial data

MSD Animal Health has announced positive data from a study of its new treatment for Schmallenberg virus, a condition affecting cattle and sheep.

The company has moved quickly to develop this treatment since the emergence of the disease in 2011 and has now produced data showcasing its efficacy in an extremely short timeframe.

Based on a wild-type Schmallenberg virus that has been inactivated, it contains an adjuvant that stimulates the immune response and has shown good levels of performance among test animals.

Veronique Moulin, research scientist at the virological research and development department at MSD Animal Health, said: "During the trials, all vaccinated animals were protected against Schmallenberg virus infection (complete blockage of viremia), whereas all controls developed viremia after challenge."

Pending regulatory approvals, the company anticipates making the vaccine commercially available by the end of 2012.

This comes after the firm received the go-ahead from regulators to launch its new treatment for swine respiratory disease Cobactan LA 7.5 Percent at the end of May 2012.