Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. has released a reduced-volume core vaccine for cats. The nonadjuvanted Ultra Hybrid FVRCP is administered in a 0.5 mL subcutaneous dose to protect against feline herpesvirus, calicivirus infection and distemper in cats at least 8 weeks old. The name “Hybrid” accurately describes the vaccine, said Arne Zislin, VMD, veterinary technical manager at BIVI. “Hybrid refers to the combination of inactivated dual-strain calicivirus with a modified live feline panleukopenia and herpesvirus in one nonadjuvanted, reduced-volume vaccine,” Dr. Zislin said. Ultra Hybrid FVRCP is the first BIVI vaccine to feature a three-part “chain of custody” label. “The label provides the ability to track what vaccines the pet has received in the clinic and at home,” BIVI stated. A survey conducted by the St. Joseph, Mo., company in February found that 7-in-10 veterinarians believe that providing a “happy vaccine experience” for patients is very important. The new vaccine uses PureFil Technology, which BIVI stated decreases “vaccine reactions by reducing extraneous proteins and cellular debris.”
