World-First ‘Crypto’ Vaccine Approved for New Zealand

MSD Animal Health has announced the approval of Bovilis Cryptium®, the world’s first vaccine designed to help reduce the impact of Cryptosporidium parvum (“crypto”) in newborn calves, a highly infectious parasite responsible for cryptosporidiosis -one of the most significant gastrointestinal diseases affecting neonatal calves in New Zealand and worldwide.

A Breakthrough for Calf Health and Farm Operations

Crypto is one of the leading causes of scours in calves, resulting in substantial economic losses and increased workload for farmers. Until now, there has been no Cryptosporidium parvum vaccination targeting calves from birth, leaving both animals and farm staff vulnerable to infection.

Bovilis Cryptium offers veterinarians and farmers a new solution: when pregnant heifers and cows are vaccinated, they develop antibodies in their colostrum, passing passive immunity to their newborn calves. This not only reduces the impact on calves during their most vulnerable period but also reduces the prevalence of infection in calf-rearing sheds and lowers the risk of farm staff contracting cryptosporidiosis.

Proven Impact and Supporting Data

Recent data from the Institute of Environmental Science and Research shows that human cases of cryptosporidiosis in New Zealand are consistently higher in September and October, coinciding with peak calf-rearing season. A national survey found that C. parvum was present on 51% of farms and detected in calves from 1-21 days of age.

“C. parvum is a relentlessly challenging pathogen for dairy and beef farmers in New Zealand and worldwide. It is highly contagious and fast-spreading, and its contamination can be unavoidable in environments where cattle live,” says Pauline Calvert, General Manager, MSD Animal Health New Zealand. “Bovilis Cryptium enhances the resistance of newborn calves to cryptosporidiosis infection, reducing the negative effects on herd health and daily farm operations. Having fewer calves requiring extra care over calving will help to reduce staff stress and workload on farm.”

How the Vaccine Works

Field studies have demonstrated that Bovilis Cryptium produces a strong immune response in newborn calves fed colostrum from vaccinated cows or heifers, significantly reducing clinical signs of crypto. The recommended protocol is two doses for cows and heifers, 4–5 weeks apart in the third trimester of pregnancy, to be completed at least three weeks before calving. For subsequent pregnancies, one dose is required in the third trimester at least three weeks before calving.

With approval now in place, New Zealand farmers can complete the initial double-vaccination protocol in time for the main calving period in spring 2026.

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A012159, Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Ph: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz © 2026 Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and its affiliates. All rights reserved. NZ-BOV-260100003