Zoetis ENVIRACOR J-5
By Zoetis
Last reviewed: January 2024
ENVIRACOR J-5 is Zoetis's coliform mastitis vaccine, containing an E. coli J5 bacterin that provides broad-spectrum protection against gram-negative bacteria in
What is ENVIRACOR J-5?
ENVIRACOR J-5 is a killed (inactivated) vaccine designed to reduce the severity of coliform mastitis in dairy cattle. The vaccine contains Escherichia coli J5 bacterin, a rough mutant strain that lacks the O-specific side chain of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), exposing the core antigen common to most gram-negative bacteria.
This core antigen approach provides cross-protection against the entire family of coliform bacteria—including E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Enterobacter aerogenes, and other gram-negative organisms that cause environmental mastitis.
The Science Behind J5 Vaccination
Gram-negative bacteria like E. coli cause mastitis by releasing endotoxins (lipopolysaccharide) when they die in the udder. These endotoxins trigger severe inflammation, fever, and systemic illness—often more dangerous than the bacterial infection itself.
The J5 vaccine works by:
Vaccination Protocol
The recommended ENVIRACOR J-5 protocol includes 3 doses:
Administer 5 mL subcutaneously in the neck region. Annual boosters are recommended following the same 3-dose schedule around each dry period.
Why Vaccinate for Coliform Mastitis?
Coliform mastitis is particularly dangerous because:
Studies show coliform intramammary infection rates are 4× higher during the dry period compared to lactation, making dry-off vaccination timing critical.
Key Features
- Core Antigen Technology: J5 bacterin exposes conserved LPS core for broad gram-negative protection
- 3-Dose Protocol: Strategic timing around dry-off and calving for maximum protection during highest-risk period
- Cross-Protection: Single vaccine effective against E. coli, Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and related coliforms
- Severity Reduction: Vaccinated cows that develop coliform mastitis have less severe clinical signs and faster recovery
- Compatible with Dry Cow Programs: Integrates with teat sealants (ORBESEAL) and dry cow antibiotic protocols
Advanced Features
- Endotoxin Neutralization: Antibodies bind and neutralize LPS before it triggers systemic inflammation
- Adjuvant System: Proprietary formulation enhances immune response duration and magnitude
- Safe for Pregnant Cattle: Approved for use in pregnant and lactating dairy cows
- Herd Immunity Contribution: Widespread vaccination reduces overall environmental pathogen pressure
Ideal For
Competitive Advantages
What sets ENVIRACOR J-5 apart from alternatives:
- ENVIRACOR J-5 advantages: 1. **Zoetis Quality**: Manufactured under strict quality controls with consistent potency 2. **Proven Efficacy**: Decades of field experience and published research supporting J5 vaccination 3. **Complementary Portfolio**: Part of complete Zoetis mastitis program with ORBESEAL and SPECTRAMAST 4. **Technical Support**: Access to Zoetis veterinary and technical service team 5. **Timing Flexibility**: 14-day pre-calving window accommodates variable calving dates
Pricing Information
Here is the pricing information for ENVIRACOR J-5:
Pros & Considerations
- Broad protection against multiple gram-negative species
- Reduces clinical severity even if infection occurs
- Well-established safety profile in pregnant cattle
- Strategic timing targets highest-risk period
- Part of comprehensive Zoetis mastitis program
- Does not prevent all mastitis cases (reduces severity, not infection)
- Requires 3-dose series for full protection
- No protection against gram-positive pathogens (Staph, Strep)
- Must be refrigerated; do not freeze
- Prescription product requiring VCPR
Implementation & Setup
How to implement ENVIRACOR J-5 on your dairy operation:
Training & Support
Training and support options available for ENVIRACOR J-5:
Evaluation Questions
Key questions to consider when evaluating ENVIRACOR J-5:
- 1. What is our current coliform mastitis incidence rate? 2. Do we culture clinical mastitis cases to identify causative organisms? 3. What is our average clinical mastitis case cost (treatment, milk loss, culling)? 4. How consistent is our dry cow vaccination program compliance? 5. What other mastitis prevention measures are in place (teat sealant, dry cow therapy)? 6. Do we have a valid VCPR for prescription product access? 7. Can we integrate vaccination into existing dry-off protocols? 8. What is our fresh cow mastitis incidence (first 30 DIM)?