Scabigard Applicator

Scabigard Applicator

• Scabigard is the world’s first tissue cultured scabby mouth vaccine for the control of scabby mouth disease in lambs and sheep, developed in Australia for Australian grazing conditions.
• Scabigard is a living vaccine which induces immunity by producing a mild, "controlled" form of the disease at a protected vaccination site (on the inside of the front leg).
• Scabigard is grown in a laboratory using cells which are tested free from adventitious agents (including bacterial or viral contaminants).

Key benefits

• Protects lambs and sheep against Scabby mouth disease.
• A single scratch will provide more than 12 months protection (natural exposure will extend this).
• Vaccination of lambs  can be conducted from birth.
• No production impact through vaccination.

Recommendations for use

• Vaccination of lambs and sheep against scabby mouth where the disease is common.
• All lambs should be vaccinated at marking as a routine.
• When beginning a vaccination program, it is advisable to vaccinate all sheep and lambs.
• Vaccinated sheep can act as a source of infection for non-vaccinates.
• When lambs are examined one week after vaccination, a line of pustules should be visible along the track of the scratch made on the skin. These lesions indicate successful vaccination and are referred to as ‘takes’.
• Susceptible sheep or lambs must 'take' in order to become immunized against scabby mouth.
• Failure to 'take' may be due to poor vaccination technique, improper handling of the vaccine resulting in a loss of potency, or because the sheep are already immune.
• Revaccination should be considered where a take has not occurred.
• Immunity develops in about 2 weeks.

The Zoetis Advantage

• The only vaccine in Australia available for the control of scabby mouth.
• Prevents mortality, lameness, blow fly strike, mastitis and skin lesions associated with scabby mouth.
• Low volume dose per scratch.
• One scratch for life, best done at marking.

Dosage

• Scabigard must be administered to sheep using the purpose designed reusable Scabigard applicator.
• Sterilize the applicator before reuse by following manufacturers instructions.
• Sheep must be scratched on a bare area of skin (side of the brisket or inside of the foreleg) to ensure an effective vaccination take.
• Prime the vaccinator until a drop of vaccine is deposited at the end of the scratching tip.
• Hold the applicator at 45 degrees to the skin and with both applicator prongs touching the skin, make a single 4 to 5cm long scratch on the bare skin.
• The scratch must be sufficient to cause skin damage, but not draw blood. The blue dye allows the operator to see that the applicator is working correctly and the vaccine is distributed along the entire 4 to 5cm scratch.
• When lambs are examined one week after vaccination, a line of pustules should be visible along the track of the scratch made on the skin. These lesions indicate successful vaccination and are referred to as “takes”.
• Susceptible sheep or lambs must “take” in order to become immunized against scabby mouth.
• Failure to “take” may be due to poor vaccination technique, improper handling of the vaccine resulting in a loss of potency, or because the sheep are already immune.
• Revaccination should be considered where a take has not occurred.
• Do not use any antiseptic on the skin as this will destroy the virus.
• Care should be taken to make sure antiseptics used in marking should not contaminate the site.
• Revaccination should be considered where a take has not occurred.
• Safe use at all stages of pregnancy but it is recommended that vaccination should be completed at least 6-8 weeks prior to expected lambing

Applicator Recommendations

• Clean and maintain the vaccinator as outlined by the manufacturer daily.
• Do not use disinfectants to clean the vaccinator.
• Vaccinators should be disposed of after the vaccination season to ensure effective vaccination.

Storage

• Store at 2°C to 8°C (Refrigerate. Do not freeze.) Protect from light.
• Do not leave vaccine in the vaccinator after workday.
• Any remaining vaccine should be disposed of, and a new bottle used for the subsequent day of vaccination

Additional Information

Scabby mouth is a zoonotic disease transmissible to humans and Scabigard is a live vaccine so care should be taken when handling the vaccine.

• Always use gloves when using scabigard.
• Vaccination should be completed at least 6-8 weeks prior to shearing so as not to place shearers at risk of zoonotic infection