Efficacy and safety studies with a new vaccine against lyme borreliosis indogs (Merilym (R))

The vaccine, against canine borreliosis, contains inactivated Borrelia burg dorferi sensu stricto (European strain) and aluminum hydroxide as an adjuva nt. The vaccine was tested under both laboratory and field conditions. Evid ence of efficacy was assessed by serology, using postvaccinal ELISA titres, and by experimental challenge with infected ticks and subsequent isolation of B. burgdorferi from skin, joints and muscle tissue. This indicated that the vaccine induced a serological conversion and protected against localis ed and systemic multiplication of the bacteria. The vaccine was well tolera ted.