MSD Animal Health Launches AQUAVAC® Strep Sa-Si Vaccine Against Streptococcis in Fish in Latin America

MADISON, N.J., November 26,  2019 – MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, today announced the introduction of a new vaccine AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si, to protect against streptococcosis in fish in Latin America. Indicated for the active immunization of tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) and other susceptible fish species to reduce mortality and disease due to streptococcosis caused by Streptococcus agalactiae (serotype Ib) and Streptococcus iniae, AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si Strep Sa-Si has a demonstrated onset of immunity from 1 week after vaccination, with a demonstrated duration of immunity for at least 12 weeks in laboratory trials and throughout the production cycle in field trialsⁱ.

“MSD Animal Health is pleased to announce the approval of a new vaccine that provides protection to tilapia against streptococcosis, the most significant health challenge of tilapia.  AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si will benefit tilapia health and tilapia producers throughout Latin Americaⁱⁱ,” said Kasha Cox, Global Lead Aquaculture, MSD Animal Health. “Tilapia grown in Latin America helps the region meet the growing demand for a safe and affordable protein source that helps contribute to a nutritious diet. MSD Animal Health continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting the tilapia producers and the health and welfare of the fish they are raising.  

Streptococcosis is a neurological bacterial disease that affects warm water fish in both salt or freshwater environments, typically in tropical regions. This disease causes widespread morbidity and mortality in fish across all sizes, and presents significant economic loss for producers when the larger fish are affected. The predominant streptococcal diseases in tilapia are Streptococcus agalactiae and Streptococcusiniae.

In field trials, AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si has demonstrated significant reduction of mortality, with efficacy for at least 6 months, the entire duration of the tilapia production period. AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si has a zero-day withdrawal period; therefore, fish can be vaccinated at any time point before harvest.

AQUVAC Strep Sa-Si is the latest vaccine joining our range of products developed to protect against Streptococcosis, including AQUAVAC Strep Sa and AQUAVAC Strep Sa1. With this portfolio of products to be used singularly and in combination, MSD now offers protection against the main disease-causing Streptococcal strains including Streptococcus agalactiae (serotype Ia, Ib and III) and Streptococcus iniae. 

AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si will be launched in Honduras and will be available  throughout the Latin America region following local country regulatory approvals.

About MSD Animal Health

For more than a century, MSD, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business unit of MSD. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals^®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of digitally connected identification, traceability and monitoring products. MSD Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. MSD Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.msd-animal-health.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

i AQUAVAC^® Strep Sa-Si Product of Characteristics
ii http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/resource-detail/en/c/1189929/