MSD Animal Health has completed its $55 million acquisition of the worldwide rights to Vecoxan (diclazuril), an oral suspension for the prevention and treatment of coccidiosis in calves and lambs, from Elanco Animal Health.
Vecoxan can be used on lambs, against coccidiosis caused by Eimeria crandallis and Eimeria ovinoidalis, and on calves, against coccidiosis caused by Eimeria bovis and Eimeria zuernii. The brand is sold in Europe, South Africa, South Korea and Japan.
Rick DeLuca, president of MSD Animal Health, said: “With advanced digital and diagnostic solutions to manage the welfare of animals as critical components of our technology, we are dedicated to advancing the health and well-being of animals and the people who take care of them.
This complementary product for youngstock will add to our existing portfolio of veterinary medicines, vaccines and services, and underscores our commitment to the science of healthier animals.
“The extensive breadth and depth of our product portfolio provides a full range of complementary solutions for our customers to improve the health and well-being of animals and the people who care for them.”
Coccidiosis
Coccidiosis is a common cause of scours (diarrhoea) in lambs and calves that is highly prevalent on cattle and sheep farms.
The disease is caused by protozoan parasites called Eimeria that multiply in the intestinal wall, transmitted from animal to animal by the faecal-oral route.
Clinical signs include painful scours with or without blood, and decreased appetite and depression, which may progress to dehydration and weight loss. Coccidiosis primarily affects young animals; calves and lambs as young as three to four weeks of age may be affected.
Coccidiosis causes significant economic loss to farmers and producers due to reduced feed conversion, reduced growth rates, reduced performance or death, and by increased susceptibility to other infections, such as intestinal disease or Bovine Respiratory Disease.
