MSD Animal Health Announces End of Bovilis Huskvac Production
MSD Animal Health has confirmed that it will permanently discontinue production of Bovilis® Huskvac after the 2027 grazing season, marking the end of the United Kingdom’s only licensed vaccine for the prevention of bovine lungworm infection. The announcement has raised concerns among veterinarians, dairy producers and beef farmers who have relied on the vaccine as part of integrated parasite control programmes.
Bovilis Huskvac has been used for decades to help protect cattle against Dictyocaulus viviparus, the parasite responsible for bovine lungworm, also known as parasitic bronchitis.
Why Lungworm Is a Serious Disease
Lungworm is one of the most important parasitic diseases affecting grazing cattle. Infected animals may develop:
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Persistent coughing
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Rapid breathing
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Difficulty breathing
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Reduced appetite
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Lower weight gain
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Declining milk production
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Severe pneumonia
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Death in untreated cases
Young grazing cattle are particularly vulnerable, although adult dairy cows can also be affected if herd immunity declines.
A Unique Vaccine in the UK Market
Bovilis Huskvac is an oral vaccine containing live attenuated third-stage lungworm larvae and is licensed for the active immunisation of cattle to reduce clinical signs and lung damage caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus. It has been the only licensed lungworm vaccine available in the UK.
The vaccine has been particularly valuable in grazing systems where producers aim to build natural immunity while reducing dependence on routine deworming medicines.
Veterinarians Express Concern Over Increased Reliance on Wormers
The planned withdrawal has prompted concern among veterinary organisations, including members of the Control of Worms Sustainably (COWS) initiative.
Veterinary experts note that, without a vaccine option, many farms may need to rely more heavily on anthelmintic medicines to control lungworm. Increased dependence on these products could place additional selection pressure on parasites, potentially contributing to the development of anthelmintic resistance over time if medicines are not used responsibly. This is presented as a potential risk rather than a confirmed outcome.
Integrated Parasite Control Will Become Even More Important
Following the withdrawal of Bovilis Huskvac, veterinarians are expected to place greater emphasis on integrated parasite management strategies, including:
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Regular monitoring of grazing cattle
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Timely diagnosis of respiratory disease
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Strategic use of anthelmintic medicines
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Grazing management
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Faecal testing where appropriate
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Veterinary herd health planning
Experts emphasise that no single approach provides complete protection, making integrated control increasingly important.
Implications for the UK Cattle Industry
The withdrawal is expected to affect both dairy and beef producers, particularly farms that have incorporated vaccination into long-term parasite control programmes.
The loss of the only licensed lungworm vaccine may require producers to review herd health plans with their veterinarians before the 2028 grazing season. Farmers who currently use Bovilis Huskvac are encouraged to discuss alternative management strategies well in advance of the product’s withdrawal.
Industry Perspective
The discontinuation of Bovilis Huskvac represents a significant change for UK cattle health management. Although effective anthelmintic medicines remain available, the loss of the country’s only licensed lungworm vaccine removes an important preventive tool from veterinarians’ disease-control programmes.
As parasite resistance continues to be an important issue in livestock production, maintaining effective integrated parasite management will become increasingly important for protecting animal health, productivity and long-term treatment effectiveness.
Key Highlights
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MSD Animal Health will permanently discontinue Bovilis Huskvac after the 2027 grazing season
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The product is the only licensed lungworm vaccine for cattle in the United Kingdom
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Lungworm caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus can lead to severe respiratory disease, reduced productivity and, in severe cases, death
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Veterinary organisations have expressed concern that losing the vaccine may increase reliance on deworming medicines, highlighting the importance of responsible parasite control strategies
