Dechra Veterinary Products has launched Strangvac, a protein-based strangles vaccine for horses and ponies.

Strangvac has been in development for over 25 years and Dechra says it's the first and only intramuscular vaccine to help protect against strangles.

Strangvac contains recombinant proteins CCE, Eq85 and IdeE from Streptococcus equi and has DIVA (Differentiating Infected from Vaccinated Animals) capability. 

The vaccine contains no live bacteria or bacterial DNA, so will not trigger positive culture or PCR tests.

In trials the new vaccine protected more than 94% of horses¹.

Dechra says it reduces the clinical signs of strangles including a high temperature, coughing, inappetence, difficulty swallowing and changes in demeanour, while also reducing the number of lymph node abscesses. 

Strangvac can be given to foals from five months of age and two injections should be given at a four-week interval. 

Horses at high risk of Streptococcus equi infection, such as those in livery, should be revaccinated after two months. 

Based on measured antibody titres, immunological memory was found in horses following repeated vaccination six months after primary vaccination.

Dr Andrew Waller, chief scientific officer at Intervacc AB, the company that developed the vaccine, said: “Strangvac is a ground-breaking new vaccine which, alongside good stable management and biosecurity procedures, can play a really important role in improving herd immunity and reducing the number of strangles cases in the equine population, thereby preventing major economic loss to the equestrian industry.”

https://www.dechra.co.uk/equine/vaccines 

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.