Zylexis, a super-antigen for use in healthy horses 4 months of age or older as an aid in reducing upper respiratory disease caused by equine herpesvirus types 1 and 4 has been granted a license in the UK to combat respiratory disease associated with stress or overcrowding.
Zylexis for horse mfg by Pfizer
Zylexis, a super-antigen as an aid in reducing upper respiratory disease caused by equine herpesvirus-1 and 4 has been granted a license in the UK to combat respiratory disease associated with stress or overcrowding.
© 2012 by Cindy Benson
Zylexis, produced by Pfizer Animal Health, contains a super-antigen, an immunostimulant consisting of inactivated Parapox ovis virus, which works to stimulate a horse's non-specific immune system, protecting the animal until it can develop a pathogen-specific response.
"Zylexis has been licensed in the United States and in Germany for a number of years," said Pfizer's national veterinary manager Wendy Talbot.
"We believe Zylexis plays a pivotal role in helping to minimize the severity of respiratory disease outbreaks in these countries, therefore helping to maintain performance potential."
According to the manufacturer, studies have shown a 40.3% reduction in the clinical signs and duration of respiratory disease in young horses under conditions of crowding and stress and a significant reduction of purulent nasal discharge when using the product.
Zylexis is recommended as a course of three single dose intramuscular injections on days one, two and nine, with the first dose administered shortly before an equine is placed in an overcrowded or stressful situation.