About Nobivac® Piro
As you know, Karoo paralysis occurs in certain geographical areas in winter and may lead to serious losses . . .
Nobivac® Piro (Reg No. G3755 Act 36/1947, N-SR 1368) is the first biliary vaccine in South Africa. The vaccine contains soluble parasite antigens (SPAs) of B. rossi and B. canis. The vaccine therefore does not contain the actual babesia parasites. SPAs are toxic substances that are released by the babesia parasites, and these SPAs are responsible for the signs seen as well as the multiple organ dysfunction seen in the atypical or complicated form of biliary. Multiple organ dysfunction results from the SPAs that induce the clumping together of red blood cells and therefore small blood clots, decreased blood pressure, decreased blood flow and oxygen supplementation to organs. By vaccinating with Nobivac® Piro, the vaccine induced immunity protects against the effects of SPAs following biliary infection in vaccinated dogs. The vaccine is therefore indicated to reduce the severity of biliary signs. In a local trial that was done, dogs were vaccinated and then infected with biliary parasites. These vaccinated dogs showed a significant reduction in clinical signs, plasma SPA levels and number of parasites within the red blood cells and all recovered without treatment. The control dogs that were not vaccinated, had to however be treated to prevent death.
Nobivac Piro is a vaccine with an action entirely different to most commonly used vaccines (eg.Parvo and Distemper type vaccines). It should therefore be clearly understood that dogs vaccinated with Nobivac® Piro might possibly still become infected with Babesia parasites and even show signs of biliary, but prior vaccination according to the recommended schedule, will allow time to treat; complicated cases may be prevented; the biliary signs will be less severe; and deaths may be prevented.
Tick control remains essential in vaccinated dogs, as the yellow dog tick spends approximately 94 to 97% of their life off-host, within the environment. Therefore only approximately 5% of the yellow dog tick population occur on dogs. An integrated control strategy is needed to beat biliary! An integrated control strategy would involve the following:
Vaccination with Nobivac® Piro from 6 months of age. To complete the basic vaccination protocol, a booster vaccination is required 3 to 6 weeks after the initial vaccination. Thereafter revaccination is required every 6 months.
Habitat control – seal off cracks and crevices in kennels; keep grass and weeds cut short; use tick control products in kennels; with regular washing of bedding
Effective tick control on the dog
Ask your veterinarian for more information regarding the use of Nobivac® Piro in beating biliary in dogs!
