• Our Offerings
  • RHDV2
  • EHD
  • ABOUT US
  • Our Offerings
  • RHDV2
  • EHD
  • ABOUT US
CONTACT

SOLUTIONS

Epizootic Hemorrhagic Disease Review

Epizootic hemorrhagic disease is a viral disease affecting white tailed deer, mule deer, and reindeer in North America and can cause significant mortality. It is transmitted by biting midges (Culicoides spp.), also called no-see-ums or punkies. It is not spread directly from deer to deer and humans cannot be infected by contact with deer or bites from midges.  

 

EHD outbreaks are most common in the late summer and early fall when the midges are abundant. The cycle stops within two weeks from the onset of frost when the midges and virus are killed.

Results from Experimental EHD Vaccine Use

Medgene has been generating data for the EHD vaccine since 2016. In 2020, we received USDA approval to provide our experimental EHD V2 and V6 vaccine. Vaccine users collected data regarding safety and clinical impression of the vaccine. Prior to 2016, data was shared with the industry at conferences and through magazine articles. In 2020, Medgene worked with a Missouri veterinarian to evaluate the EHD V2 and V6 vaccine in young fawns.

 

The vaccine was administered to ten (10) 2-3 week old fawns.  Blood serum was collected pre (Day 0) and post (Day 35 and Day 63) vaccination to monitor the immune response. A plaque reduction neutralization assay was performed to determine the neutralizing antibody titer of each fawn to both EHD V2 and EHD V6 at varying time points. A titer greater than 10 indicates that antibodies are present that neutralize the virus. The presence of antibodies provides evidence that the fawn generated the intended immune response to the vaccine. (Table 1)

 

Table 1. EHD V2 Vaccine Immune Response Generated in Young Fawns
EHDV2 Neutralizing Antibody Titer EHDV6 Neutralizing Antibody Titer
Tag # 13Jun2020 4Jul2020 01Aug2020 13Jun2020 4Jul2020 01Aug2020
W8 20 40 80 <10 40 40
W9 <10 40 40 <10 40 40
W10 20 >320 160 <10 40 80
W11 <10 >320 80 <10 80 80
W12 <10 >320 >320 <10 40 40
W13 <10 160 80 <10 40 80
W14 80 >320 >320 <10 80 160
W15 40 >320 >320 <10 40 80
W16 20 80 10 <10 80 20
W17 <10 80 20 <10 80 10
W18 (Control) <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10
Vaccination dates: 13 June 2020 and 4 July 2020

To further our understanding of the serological response to booster vaccination, the Missouri fawns continued to be evaluated throughout 2021. To review, in 2020, the farm vaccinated ten (10) 2-3 week old fawns. In 2021, they revaccinated those same animals (10 months old when 2021 booster 1 was given; 13 months old when 2021 booster 2 was given) and Medgene Labs monitored the antibody response. Table 2 summarizes EHDV2 antibody titers after booster vaccination.

 

The data indicates that booster vaccination is critical for increasing the level of neutralizing antibodies to the target disease. 

 

Medgene continues to work with this Missouri farm and these animals to determine the optimal booster schedule. Our current recommendation after the administration of the first two initial doses is to booster every six months, or twice each spring. The goal is to ensure a high antibody level when EHD season arrives.

 

Table 2. EHD V2 & V6 Vaccine Immune Response Generated in Young Fawns
EHDV2 Neutralizing Antibody Titer
Tag # 17 Apr 2021 15 May 2021 14 Jun 2021 10 Jul 2021 7 Aug 2021 4 Sep 2021 2 Oct 2021
W8 160 <10 160 160 >320 >320 80
W9 <10 40 160 >320 >320 >320 >320
W10 80 160 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W11 20 80 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W12 160 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W13 20 80 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W14 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W15 160 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320 >320
W17 10 20 80 160 >320 160 80
W18 (Control) 10 10 40 80 80 10 80
Vaccination dates: 13 Jun 2020, 4 Jul 2020, 2 Apr 2021 and 10 Jul 2021

For more information or to place an order, please contact Ashley via email Ashley@MedgeneLabs.com or by calling (605) 692-1268

 

Frequently Asked Questions

If Vaccinated Animals Get Sick or Die of Suspected EHD, What Should I Do?

  1. Submit spleen samples to a diagnostic lab for confirmatory testing. EHDV and BTV are very similar viruses and can be misdiagnosed without proper testing. The vaccine is only against EHDV2 and EHDV6 and does not cross-protect against EHDV1 or BTV strains. 
  2. Contact Medgene Labs to report the suspected case. Field data is critical for advancement of the vaccine. If there is an issue, we would like to know about it. We can connect you with a diagnostic lab to ensure appropriate testing is performed. 

 

 

 

What Kind of Vaccine is This?

Inactivated (killed) recombinant subunit proteins from EHDV2 and EHDV6 produced in a proprietary Baculovirus expression system. This is a special type of recombinant vaccine that builds immunity by using a non-mammalian virus to transmit subunit proteins of EHDV2 and EHDV6. The immune system sees these proteins and learns to neutralize the virus if the animal becomes infected.

 

This is administered intramuscularly with a 2 mL, 2-dose regimen. The second dose is given approximately 21 days following the first. It is being distributed as an experimental vaccine, according to USDA regulations. License is pending further data collection.

When should I administer the vaccine?

Vaccination schedules may vary based on farm and species (white-tailed deer versus reindeer). In general, our recommendation is to vaccinate in March/April and booster in September/October. The initial series of vaccine should occur at least one month before typical EHD season begins. We are happy to work with individuals to design a vaccination schedule that best fits their farm.

How young can I give the vaccine?

The vaccine appears to be safe in animals as young as 2 weeks of age. Official safety studies have not been conducted.

Is it safe for pregnant and nursing animals?

Yes, it appears to be safe based on field studies. Official safety studies have not been conducted. 

 

The vaccine should not be administered within 3 weeks of parturition.

Will my animal need a booster?

Yes. You will have to booster approximately 21 days after the initial dose. Since antibody titers wane after 6 months, our recommendation is to booster every 6 months after the first two initial doses. Otherwise, two doses every spring (March/April) are needed.

How Do I Purchase the Vaccine?

Directly from Medgene Labs by contacting Ashley at (605) 692-1268 or Ashley@MedgeneLabs.com. Currently, state veterinarian and USDA permission is required to ship the vaccine to a farm. Please allow 1 - 2 weeks from time of order to receive the vaccine.

 

The vaccine cost is $120 for a 10-dose bottle. Overnight shipping is available (with an additional shipping fee).

Will a Veterinarian Have to Administer the Vaccine?

Potentially. Most states allow direct sales to owners. However, some states require the vaccine to be shipped directly to a veterinarian. 

 

How Effective is the Vaccine in Preventing EHDV2 and EHDV6?

Based on serology testing, animals generate neutralizing antibody titers against both EHDV2 and EHDV6. These antibodies should neutralize the virus if an animal becomes infected. 

 

Based on clinical impression from field use, vaccinated animals have remained healthy while unvaccinated animals on the same farm have died from EHDV2 or EHDV6.

 

No efficacy studies have been conducted.

 

What Side Effects Should I Expect?

The most common side effect is lameness and soreness after vaccination. Animals typically return to normal in 2-5 days. Other side effects may include lethargy, fever, swelling at the injection site, and off-feed. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Epinephrine should be used to stop the allergic reaction from becoming life threatening.

 

 

 

How Long Does It Take to be Effective?

Strong neutralizing antibody titers are typically seen 1-2 weeks following booster vaccination.

 

Efficacy studies have not been conducted.

 

 

Is It Safe for Animals Previously Vaccinated with Another EHD Vaccine? Will They Need the Initial Booster Series?

The vaccine appears to be safe for previously vaccinated animals. Official safety studies have not been conducted. 

 

Since the previous immunity provided by other vaccines is unknown, we recommend starting with the full vaccine series.

 

 

How Effective is Just a Single Dose of the Vaccine? Do I Really Have to Booster Three Weeks Later?

Studies have shown that little to no antibody titer is generated after a single dose of the vaccine.  

 

Yes, booster vaccination is required to generate the proper immune response.

 

 

Will the Fawns of Vaccinated Does Have any Protection from EHDV2 and EHDV6?

Studies have not yet been conducted to determine maternal antibody transfer from vaccination.   

 

In general, fawns lose maternal antibodies by 3 months of age. Therefore, maternal antibodies are likely gone by August/September (prime EHD season). 

 

 

When Can I Stop Boostering Older Animals?

Further research is needed to determine at what point, if ever, lifetime immunity is achieved.  

 

 

 

If Vaccinated Animals Get Sick or Die of Suspected EHD, What Should I Do?

  1. Submit spleen samples to a diagnostic lab for confirmatory testing. EHDV and BTV are very similar viruses and can be misdiagnosed without proper testing. The vaccine is only against EHDV2 and EHDV6 and does not cross-protect against EHDV1 or BTV strains. 
  2. Contact Medgene Labs to report the suspected case. Field data is critical for advancement of the vaccine. If there is an issue, we would like to know about it. We can connect you with a diagnostic lab to ensure appropriate testing is performed. 

 

 

 

What Kind of Vaccine is This?

Inactivated (killed) recombinant subunit proteins from EHDV2 and EHDV6 produced in a proprietary Baculovirus expression system. This is a special type of recombinant vaccine that builds immunity by using a non-mammalian virus to transmit subunit proteins of EHDV2 and EHDV6. The immune system sees these proteins and learns to neutralize the virus if the animal becomes infected.

 

This is administered intramuscularly with a 2 mL, 2-dose regimen. The second dose is given approximately 21 days following the first. It is being distributed as an experimental vaccine, according to USDA regulations. License is pending further data collection.

When should I administer the vaccine?

Vaccination schedules may vary based on farm and species (white-tailed deer versus reindeer). In general, our recommendation is to vaccinate in March/April and booster in September/October. The initial series of vaccine should occur at least one month before typical EHD season begins. We are happy to work with individuals to design a vaccination schedule that best fits their farm.

How young can I give the vaccine?

The vaccine appears to be safe in animals as young as 2 weeks of age. Official safety studies have not been conducted.

Is it safe for pregnant and nursing animals?

Yes, it appears to be safe based on field studies. Official safety studies have not been conducted. 

 

The vaccine should not be administered within 3 weeks of parturition.

Will my animal need a booster?

Yes. You will have to booster approximately 21 days after the initial dose. Since antibody titers wane after 6 months, our recommendation is to booster every 6 months after the first two initial doses. Otherwise, two doses every spring (March/April) are needed.

How Do I Purchase the Vaccine?

Directly from Medgene Labs by contacting Ashley at (605) 692-1268 or Ashley@MedgeneLabs.com. Currently, state veterinarian and USDA permission is required to ship the vaccine to a farm. Please allow 1 - 2 weeks from time of order to receive the vaccine.

 

The vaccine cost is $120 for a 10-dose bottle. Overnight shipping is available (with an additional shipping fee).

Will a Veterinarian Have to Administer the Vaccine?

Potentially. Most states allow direct sales to owners. However, some states require the vaccine to be shipped directly to a veterinarian. 

 

How Effective is the Vaccine in Preventing EHDV2 and EHDV6?

Based on serology testing, animals generate neutralizing antibody titers against both EHDV2 and EHDV6. These antibodies should neutralize the virus if an animal becomes infected. 

 

Based on clinical impression from field use, vaccinated animals have remained healthy while unvaccinated animals on the same farm have died from EHDV2 or EHDV6.

 

No efficacy studies have been conducted.

 

What Side Effects Should I Expect?

The most common side effect is lameness and soreness after vaccination. Animals typically return to normal in 2-5 days. Other side effects may include lethargy, fever, swelling at the injection site, and off-feed. In rare cases, anaphylaxis may occur. Epinephrine should be used to stop the allergic reaction from becoming life threatening.

 

 

 

How Long Does It Take to be Effective?

Strong neutralizing antibody titers are typically seen 1-2 weeks following booster vaccination.

 

 

Is It Safe for Animals Previously Vaccinated with Another EHD Vaccine? Will They Need the Initial Booster Series?

The vaccine appears to be safe for previously vaccinated animals. Official safety studies have not been conducted. 

 

Since the previous immunity provided by other vaccines is unknown, we recommend starting with the full vaccine series.

 

 

How Effective is Just a Single Dose of the Vaccine? Do I Really Have to Booster Three Weeks Later?

Studies have shown that little to no antibody titer is generated after a single dose of the vaccine.  

 

Yes, booster vaccination is required to generate the proper immune response.

 

 

Will the Fawns of Vaccinated Does Have any Protection from EHDV2 and EHDV6?

Studies have not yet been conducted to determine maternal antibody transfer from vaccination.   

 

In general, fawns lose maternal antibodies by 3 months of age. Therefore, maternal antibodies are likely gone by August/September (prime EHD season). 

 

 

When Can I Stop Boostering Older Animals?

Further research is needed to determine at what point, if ever, lifetime immunity is achieved.  

 

 

 

If Vaccinated Animals Get Sick or Die of Suspected EHD, What Should I Do?

  1. Submit spleen samples to a diagnostic lab for confirmatory testing. EHDV and BTV are very similar viruses and can be misdiagnosed without proper testing. The vaccine is only against EHDV2 and EHDV6 and does not cross-protect against EHDV1 or BTV strains. 
  2. Contact Medgene Labs to report the suspected case. Field data is critical for advancement of the vaccine. If there is an issue, we would like to know about it. We can connect you with a diagnostic lab to ensure appropriate testing is performed. 

 

 

 

Contact

605.697.2600

Location

1006 32ND AVENUE
BROOKINGS, SD, 57006 USA

SOLUTIONS

RESOURCES
CAREERS
ABOUT US
CONNECT

 

PRIVACY POLICY

Privacy Policy