MSD Animal Health UK has confirmed that Bovilis® Huskvac will be discontinued after the full lungworm season in 2027. The vaccine will remain available for the 2027 season, giving farmers and vets time to review lungworm control plans and prepare for managing the disease once vaccination is no longer an option.
Bovilis® Huskvac has played an important role in lungworm prevention for many cattle farms across the UK.
Lungworm, caused by Dictyocaulus viviparus, can affect both dairy and beef herds, particularly grazing youngstock, although adult cattle can also be at risk.
Clinical signs can include coughing, laboured breathing, loss of condition, reduced growth rates and a fall in milk yield. In severe cases, lungworm can cause serious disease and even death.
Global review
The decision to discontinue Bovilis® Huskvac follows MSD Animal Health’s announcement in 2023 that it would close its UK manufacturing plants between 2027 and 2030 as part of a wider global review of manufacturing and supply operations.
According to the company, Bovilis® Huskvac could not be transferred to another site within its global manufacturing network because of the vaccine’s highly specialised and complex production process. MSD Animal Health also explored whether production could be taken on by a contract manufacturer, but no viable option was identified.
For farmers, the key message is that Bovilis® Huskvac will still be available for the full 2027 lungworm season. However, from 2028 onwards, lungworm control plans will need to rely on other management approaches.
No one-size-fits-all solution
Farmers are being encouraged to speak to their veterinary surgeon well in advance of the vaccine’s withdrawal.
Lungworm risk varies considerably between farms and seasons, so there is unlikely to be a single replacement strategy that suits every system.
Control plans will need to take account of grazing history, stocking rates, pasture contamination, previous lungworm cases, youngstock management, bought-in animals and the wider parasite control programme on farm.
Seek veterinary advice
Future lungworm management is expected to place greater emphasis on monitoring, grazing management and timely veterinary advice.
Farmers should remain alert to early signs of disease, particularly coughing at grass, and should contact their vet promptly if lungworm is suspected.
Diagnostic testing will become increasingly important in confirming disease and guiding treatment decisions. The most used tests are faecal testing for larvae and blood (ELISA) for immune response.
It is important to discuss with your vet which is the most appropriate test for your circumstances as they detect disease in different stages.
Anthelmintics (antiparasitic medications) will continue to have a role in lungworm control, but their use should be carefully planned with a vet or suitably qualified adviser. Responsible use will be essential to deter development of anthelmintic resistance, supporting long-term parasite control and reducing unnecessary medicine use.
Early preparation is key
Although the discontinuation of Bovilis® Huskvac represents a significant change for UK cattle producers, there is time to prepare. Farmers should use the 2027 season to discuss lungworm risk with their veterinary practice, review herd health plans and identify practical steps to protect cattle health at grass in future years.
The priority now is early planning. By working closely with their vet, farmers can adapt their lungworm control strategies and continue to safeguard animal health, welfare and performance beyond 2027.
