RAHWAY, N.J. | October 23, 2025 — Merck Animal Health (MSD Animal Health outside the U.S. and Canada), a global leader in veterinary pharmaceuticals and vaccines, announced new data demonstrating that intranasal vaccination with BOVILIS® NASALGEN®-C significantly improves production outcomes in veal calves. The findings were presented at the Vlaamse Buiatriecongres 2025, underscoring the role of targeted vaccination in enhancing calf health and operational efficiency.
Science Significance
The study, titled “Intranasal vaccination against bovine coronavirus significantly improves production parameters in cross-bred veal calves: Results from a randomized field trial”, evaluated 217 male calves receiving either a live attenuated BOVILIS NASALGEN-C vaccine or a placebo upon arrival at fattening units. Vaccinated calves demonstrated fewer lung lesions, suggesting improved respiratory health, and achieved significantly higher body weight (+2.88 kg) and daily weight gain (+39 g/day) over 10 weeks compared with controls. These results indicate that intranasal vaccination provides rapid protective immunity against bovine coronavirus (BCoV), a major contributor to bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Geert Vertenten, Ph.D., DVM, global technical director of ruminant biologicals at Merck Animal Health, emphasized: “These findings provide strong evidence supporting the vaccination of calves with BOVILIS NASALGEN-C to help improve animal welfare and operational efficiency in cattle farming.” The study highlights that PTK7 expression is stable across histologic subtype, disease stage and metastatic status, further validating BOVILIS NASALGEN-C as a practical approach to prevent respiratory disease under commercial farming conditions.
Regulatory Significance
BOVILIS NASALGEN-C is fully licensed for intranasal use in cattle, and the study reinforces its efficacy and safety profile, supporting continued adoption under current veterinary guidelines. Regulatory authorities, including the U.S. FDA Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA), emphasize evidence-based vaccination programs to reduce BRD-related morbidity and economic losses. This new real-world evidence could support future label updates or broader international adoption, demonstrating measurable improvements in growth performance and respiratory health—critical metrics for regulatory and advisory compliance in veterinary medicine.
Business Significance
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The results strengthen Merck Animal Health’s position as a leader in ruminant vaccine innovation, highlighting the commercial potential of BOVILIS NASALGEN-C beyond traditional respiratory protection. Intranasal administration offers rapid immunity onset, reducing the need for pre-transport vaccination and increasing operational flexibility in large-scale farming operations. Improved growth rates and reduced lung lesions translate to higher production efficiency, cost savings, and better return on investment for producers, positioning Merck Animal Health to capture broader market share in preventive cattle vaccines globally.
Patients’ Significance
Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in veal and beef calves, triggered by viral and bacterial infections, often exacerbated by stressors like transportation, commingling, and weaning. Intranasal vaccination with BOVILIS NASALGEN-C improves animal welfare by reducing clinical disease, minimizing lung lesions, and supporting better feed intake and growth. Healthier calves experience less respiratory distress, lower mortality, and enhanced overall well-being, aligning with Merck Animal Health’s commitment to “The Science of Healthier Animals®.”
Policy Significance
The findings highlight the importance of evidence-based vaccination policies in livestock management. BOVILIS NASALGEN-C represents a practical tool for implementing standardized immunization protocols, particularly in intensive farming systems where BRD is prevalent. By demonstrating measurable production and health benefits, these results can influence veterinary guidance, biosecurity measures, and public health policies related to livestock disease prevention. The study supports policies that prioritize proactive vaccination strategies to mitigate economic losses and improve food security.
Transaction Highlights
Merck Animal Health presented data from a randomized field trial confirming that intranasal vaccination against bovine coronavirus with BOVILIS NASALGEN-C improves veal calf production outcomes. Conducted on 217 male calves, the study demonstrated fewer lung lesions, higher body weight (+2.88 kg), and increased average daily gain (+39 g/day) over 10 weeks compared with placebo. The trial validates rapid immunity onset and practical application at arrival to fattening units, addressing challenges associated with transport, commingling, and stress-related respiratory infections. These results strengthen Merck Animal Health’s global positioning in preventive ruminant vaccines, emphasizing operational and animal welfare benefits while supporting potential broader international adoption.
Source: Merck Animal Health, Inc. Press Release
