The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended granting EU marketing authorisation to Bovilis Lumpyvax (Intervet) to protect cattle against lumpy skin disease (LSD). On 8 October, EMA’s Committee for Veterinary Medicinal Products (CVMP) adopted a positive opinion. Marketing authorisation remains pending, as the European Commission must still make the legally binding decision.
Vaccine efficacy and duration of immunity
The vaccine contains a live, attenuated Neethling strain of the LSD virus. Assessment of submitted studies and field data showed that vaccination reduces clinical signs and viraemia. Immunity develops within three weeks and lasts for one year.
LSD is a viral disease spread mainly by biting insects that can cause serious illness and animal welfare problems. Vaccination has played an important role in controlling outbreaks in Europe.
Vaccine safety and next steps
The vaccine is generally well tolerated. Uncommon adverse effects, occurring in one to ten per 1,000 vaccinated cattle, include swelling at the injection site, reduced milk production and loss of appetite.
The CVMP recommends authorisation under exceptional circumstances to support timely availability across Europe. Its positive opinion will now be considered by the European Commission. If authorisation is granted, detailed product information will be published in the Union Product Database.
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