Leucogen Vaccine

Leucogen is a feline leukaemia vaccine produced by genetic engineering methods. The vaccine contains the purified p45 FeLV envelope antigen, obtained by genetic recombination of a strain of E. coli. The p45 antigen represents a fraction of the virus envelope glycoprotein and induces the synthesis of protective antibodies.

The antigenic material is adjuvanted with an aluminium hydroxide gel and `Quil A', a purified derivative of saponin.

Uses

For the active immunisation of healthy unexposed cats from eight weeks of age against feline leukaemia for the prevention of persistent viraemia and clinical signs of the related disease. Onset of immunity is three weeks after primary vaccination. The duration of immunity is one year after the primary vaccination.

Dosage and administration

Shake the vial gently and inject contents of one vial (1 ml) of Leucogen vaccine subcutaneously using aseptic techniques.

Primary course vaccination

In cats of eight weeks and over, administer two doses of Leucogen 3 to 4 weeks apart. To protect kittens, the vaccination of female cats prior to mating is recommended. Maternally derived antibodies can negatively influence the immune response to vaccination. In such cases where maternally derived antibodies are expected, a third injection may be appropriate from 15 weeks of age.

Booster immunisation

Where cats are exposed to infection, a single dose of Leucogen is recommended annually to boost immunity to feline leukaemia; otherwise earlier re-vaccination may be required.

Contra-indications, warnings, etc

Only healthy cats, free of parasites, should be vaccinated. Prior to vaccination, it is advised that cats be checked for the presence of p27 circulating viral antigen, using the E.L.I.S.A. test. If the result of the test is positive, vaccination will not be effective.

A small transitory node at the site of injection has occasionally been observed in cats vaccinated with Leucogen; this reaction will disappear within 2 to 6 weeks without treatment.

In a small percentage of cats a transient malaise may be observed post vaccination. In very rare cases this may be accompanied by pyrexia, inappetence or vomiting. Symptoms should subside within 24–48 hours.

The vaccination of pregnant queens is not recommended. Use is not recommended during lactation.

Safety and efficacy data are available which demonstrate that this vaccine can be mixed with FELIGEN RCP.

In case of accidental self-injection, seek medical advice immediately and show the package leaflet or the label to the doctor.

Pharmaceutical precautions

Do not freeze. The vaccine should be stored in the original package between +2°C and +8°C, and protected from light.

Do not mix with any other immunological product other than FELIGEN RCP.

Packaging Quantities

10×1 dose

Further information

Leucogen has been developed by genetic engineering technology which allows for the production of the single specific antigen responsible for the stimulation of full immunity to all components of FeLV disease. This antigen is sub-group A FeLV p45 which is the specific fraction of the envelope glycoprotein gp70 involved in the immune process. In field conditions, only sub-group A of FeLV is infective and once established in the cats body it leads to the production of sub-groups B, C and FOCMA. By concentrating only sub-group A p45 in the vaccine, full protection is achieved with no danger of infection or immunosuppression resulting from the inclusion of other viral components in the vaccine.