 West Nile Virus Antibody
Take Control of the West Nile Virus
Novartis Animal Health US, Inc. has received a USDA conditional
license for West Nile Virus Antibody (Equine Origin) for
use in yearling or older horses to help aid in the control of disease
caused by the West Nile Virus. The product provides high quality,
neutralizing IgG immunoglobulins immediately upon administration.
Why use an immunoglobulin?
Novartis Animal Health is a
leader in animal biologicals, including immunoglobulin products.
Also known as an antibody
or antiserum, immunoglobulins provide immediate, short-term
protection through
artificially acquired passive immunity.
The injection of an
immunoglobulin provides disease-specific antibodies to neutralize
a specific antigen – without challenging the
immune system. When an animal needs antibodies instantly,
an immunoglobulin
is an excellent choice.
The use of immunoglobulin products
has been common in both human and animal medicine for decades.
In fact, in human health,
the
use of an antibody product has played a significant role in
reducing the
severity and duration of symptoms and recovery of human patients
affected with West Nile Virus.
Read more about the use of
immunoglobulins.
When to use West
Nile Virus Antibody
Disease occurs in an animal
that has not been vaccinated. When an unvaccinated horse
shows signs of illness
from exposure
to West Nile Virus, it’s too late for a vaccine
to stimulate the immune system. West Nile Virus Antibody can
be used as an aid
in the
control of disease caused by the virus.
An animal was vaccinated
but still contracts the West Nile Virus. This
can be the case if the horse was incubating
the disease
when it was vaccinated, or if its immune system is compromised.
The
West Nile Virus Antibody can provide the animal with immediate,
short-term
immunity to the disease challenge.
Research work conducted
A neutralizing index study of post-administration
serum samples by Cornell University demonstrated the ability
of the West
Nile Virus
Antibody to neutralize the West Nile Virus. In addition,
field studies involving 106 horses of varying ages
and breeds demonstrated
the product
is safe when used according to label directions.
Steps
to using the product
Preparation. Dilute the desired dose (1 mL
per 2 kg of body weight) into Lactated Ringer’s solution
to obtain a total administration volume of 1 liter. Warm solution
to
body temperature prior to administration.
Shake well before using.
Administration. When
West Nile Virus is suspected, prompt administration is recommended.
Slowly administer
intravenously
using aseptic
technique.
Storage. Store out of direct sunlight
at 35 to 45 degrees F. Use the entire contents when first
opened.
Do not
freeze.
Anaphylactic reactions. To reduce the
risk of anaphylactic reactions, premedicate with flunixin
meglumine (1.1
mg/kg). Anaphylactic
reactions are unlikely, but may occur. If
they do, treat symptoms with epinephrine.
Product
availability
West Nile Virus Antibody is available only from
licensed, practicing veterinarians.
Read more about West Nile Virus Antibody. |
