Scabigard Cutaneous Suspension

Administration: by skin scarification.
This vaccine must be administered to sheep and lambs using an applicator, such as
the Scabigard Applicator, that dispenses a 0.02 ml dose of vaccine and prevents
back flush.
At the site of vaccination, erythema local to the line(s) of scarification are to be
expected as the initial, observable effect, days 1-14 post-vaccination. Vesicles and
pustules may then be observed, from approximately day 3-14 post-vaccination, and
restricted to the site of scarification. Rupture of these vesicles and pustules, and scab
formation, can be expected from about day 7 post-vaccination. These effects are
expected in up to 100% of animals treated and are commonly referred to as vaccine
“take”; they indicate successful vaccination. In susceptible animals (those at risk of
orf virus infection) the aim is to obtain a “take” in each animal vaccinated.
Susceptible sheep or lambs must “take” in order to become immunised against orf
disease. Failure to “take” may be due to poor vaccination technique, improper
handling of the vaccine resulting in loss of potency, or because the sheep are already
immune. Revaccination once should be considered where a “take” has not occurred.
It is strongly recommended that the effectiveness of vaccination be assessed by
examination of a selected group of sheep and/or lambs, one week to 10 days after
vaccination. A more or less continuous line of pustules should be visible along the
track of the scratch made on the skin. The pustules progress to form scabs which
gradually dry and fall off by 7 weeks after vaccination.
Treatment of Ewes (site and method of administration):
Do not vaccinate ewes less than 7 weeks before lambing. The site of administration
is behind the elbow or in the axilla (i.e., between the top of the foreleg and the chest
wall), to prevent infection of the udder and subsequent transmission to lambs. Refer
to Figure 1 below.
Treatment of Lambs (site and method of administration):
Lambs may be vaccinated at any time from birth. Young (i.e. unweaned) lambs
should be vaccinated in the axilla. Refer to Figure 1.
Figure 1: Correct site for vaccine administration.
Vaccinate behind the elbow, in the hairless skin of the
axilla.
Restrain the lamb or sheep over a rail or similar with the bare skin exposed. To apply
the vaccine, place the Applicator prongs onto the skin and commence making a 4 to
5 cm scratch. The vaccine dose will be evenly deposited along the scratch. The
Applicator must be held at an angle to the skin (approximately 45 degrees). Press
firmly to ensure there is sufficient skin damage to enable an effective vaccination
“take”. The scratch should be just sufficient to break the top layer of the skin but not
deep enough to draw blood.
Recommendations when using the Scabigard Applicator:
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operator.
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can go no further.
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bottle.
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is in the locked position. Holding the vaccinator so that it points to the ground,
press down on the base of the vaccine bottle in a “pump like” action. Priming
should take approximately 10 pumps. When the vaccine flows onto the
scratcher prongs, the Applicator is primed and ready for use.
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Applicator prongs until the product is applied.
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pumped once to recharge the Applicator prongs with a precise dose of
vaccine.
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end of each vaccination session, the Applicator should be (re)sterilised. Do not
use disinfectants to clean the Applicator as residues may harm the vaccine
when next used.
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tissue to remove grease, dirt and wool collected from the sheep’s skin, taking
care not to contaminate the hands. It is advisable to have a plastic bag open
and pinned up to receive used materials. Sterilise used materials as soon as
possible after use.