New Data from MSD Animal Health Demonstrates that Intranasal Vaccination Against Bovine Coronavirus with BOVILLIS® NASALGEN®-C (Lyophilisate and Solvent for Suspension for Cattle) Significantly Improves Production in Veal Calves
Vaccinated calves showed fewer lung lesions and achieved a significantly higher body weight than unvaccinated calves
Rahway, N.J., October 23, 2025 – MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the presentation of new data in support of intranasal vaccination for the prevention of bovine coronavirus (BCoV) with BOVILIS® NASALGEN®-C. These data were presented at the Vlaamse Buiatriecongres 2025 (the Flemish Buiatrics Congress), October 23-24.
Bovine coronavirus is a highly contagious respiratory infection that can cause coughing, fever, rhinitis, and inappetence, in cattle. Addressing and preventing this damaging infection is essential,” said Geert Vertenten, Ph.D., DVM, global technical director of ruminant biologicals at MSD Animal Health. “The findings provide strong evidence supporting the vaccination of calves with BOVILIS NASALGEN-C to help improve animal welfare and operational efficiency in cattle farming.”
Data from a study title “Intranasal vaccination against bovine coronavirus significantly improves production parameters in cross-bred veal calves: Results from a randomized field trial,” demonstrated that intranasal vaccination against bovine coronavirus (BCoV) significantly enhances production outcomes in cross-bred veal calves. Conducted on 217 male calves, the study compared a live attenuated BCoV vaccine (BOVILIS NASALGEN-C) administered upon arrival at fattening units to a placebo. Vaccinated calves showed a trend toward fewer lung lesions and, importantly, achieved a significantly higher body weight (+2.88 kg) and average daily weight gain (+39 g/day) after 10 weeks compared to controls.
These findings suggest that intranasal vaccination at arrival is a practical and effective strategy to improve calf growth performance under challenging conditions of transport and commingling, where respiratory infections are common. Although preventive vaccination ideally occurs before transport, the rapid onset of immunity from the intranasal live vaccine offers a valuable alternative to mitigate production losses associated with bovine respiratory disease (BRD) outbreaks. This study highlights the potential of targeted BCoV vaccination to support healthier, more productive veal calves in commercial settings.
BRD is a common and costly respiratory illness in calves caused by a combination of viral and bacterial infections, often triggered or worsened by stress factors like transportation, commingling and weaning. It leads to pneumonia, respiratory distress, reduced appetite, and slower growth, significantly impacting calf health and development. BRD results in increased veterinary costs, higher mortality rates, and decreased production efficiency due to poor weight gain and feed conversion.
BOVILIS NASALGEN-C (lyophilisate and solvent for suspension for cattle) is approved for the active immunization of cattle from the day of birth onwards to reduce clinical signs of upper respiratory tract disease and nasal viral shedding from infection with bovine coronavirus. There is no withdrawal period. Animal owners or caretakers should consult a licensed veterinarian. For a summary of product characteristics, click here. For more information visit: https://www.bovilis.com/bovilis-nasalgen-c/.
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About MSD Animal Health
At MSD, known as Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA in the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. MSD Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of MSD. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, MSD Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, 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 connected technology that includes 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 and connect with us on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).
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