Papilloma virus: autogenous vaccine in-house production

• Therapeutic vaccination of cattle with papillomatous lesions Papillomatosis to induce a humoral and cell mediated immune response against a specific bovine papilloma virus (BPV) Papilloma virus resulting in regression of the warty lesion.
• Prophylactic vaccination of cattle (as young as 4-6 weeks of age).

Uses

Advantages

• The preparation of an autogenous bovine papillomavirus vaccine can be carried out in-house and does not require specialist equipment.
• The autogenous vaccine is specific to the bovine papillomavirus causing the lesion in the animal it was taken from.
• In cases of extensive papillomatous lesions, vaccination is less invasive than surgical removal.

Disadvantages

• May be unnecessary for some bovine patients as spontaneous regression is common.
• The response to the bovine papillomavirus vaccine is variable.
• Repeated injections of the autogenous vaccine may be required.
• Refrigeration facilities are required.
• If formaldehyde is used, then appropriate safety protocols should be followed, and local rules adhered to.

• Most autogenous vaccines are made with an antimicrobial agent (antimicrobial stewardship concerns).
• In the UK, the manufacturing premises and the method of production must be the subject of a valid Autogenous Vaccination Authorization (AVA) from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD). This is needed for autogenous vaccines manufactured from pathogens or antigens obtained from an animal/s and used for the treatment of that animal and/or other animals within the same epidemiological unit or in the same rearing chain. More information in the references below.

Alternative techniques

• No treatment (may spontaneously regress).
• Surgical resection.
• Cryotherapy.
• Ligation of pedunculus papillomata.
• Salvage slaughter is very unlikely to be necessary but may be considered for a severely affected patient if the size, location or number of lesions is negatively affecting productivity, body function or welfare. Consider whether an underlying immune condition may also be playing a role in such patients.

Time required

Preparation

• Sedation (if required) Sedating cattle and local anesthesia time to take effect: 5-10 min.
• Aseptic preparation: 5 min.
• Sample collection: 5-10 min.

Procedure

• 24-48 h to produce the autogenous vaccine and allow adequate time to deactivate the virus.
• <30 sec to administer the autogenous vaccine.

Decision taking

Criteria for choosing test

• Extensively and severely affected bovine patients.
• Surgical excision is not appropriate.

Risk assessment

• Thorough examination of the patient to determine if this procedure is appropriate.