Boehringer Ingelheim launches LENZELTA® vaccine to combat mastitis in dairy cattle

GERMANY – Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced LENZELTA®, a new vaccine designed to reduce the incidence and severity of clinical mastitis in dairy cows and heifers, strengthening preventive health tools for the dairy sector across Europe from April 2026.

The company said the vaccine offers early onset immunity and long-lasting protection against two of the most common mastitis-causing pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

Mastitis remains one of the most economically damaging diseases in dairy farming globally. 

It affects udder health, reduces both milk yield and quality, and increases treatment and management costs. 

Preventive strategies, particularly during the dry-off period, are therefore critical for maintaining herd productivity and farm profitability.

“With LENZELTA®, we are setting a new benchmark in mastitis prevention,” said Gerald Behrens, Head of Ruminants at Boehringer Ingelheim. 

“Mastitis places a massive burden on dairy farms around the world. By offering a highly effective vaccine that is easy to integrate into existing routines, we give farmers and veterinarians a powerful new tool to manage one of the industry’s most persistent challenges.”

Preventive approach targets key infection window

LENZELTA® is administered in two doses during the dry-off period, a stage when cows are particularly vulnerable to infection. 

The vaccine protects for up to six months, covering the transition into lactation when mastitis risk is highest.

The formulation uses an oil-free adjuvant and is available in multiple vial sizes, allowing flexibility for veterinarians managing herds of different sizes. 

According to the company, the vaccine integrates easily into existing herd health protocols without adding operational complexity.

For veterinarians, the product supports a more proactive, preventive approach to disease management. 

For farmers, it offers improved control over herd health, with potential gains in milk consistency, reduced treatment costs, and improved animal welfare.

The launch of LENZELTA® also expands Boehringer Ingelheim’s mastitis portfolio, aligning with broader industry efforts to reduce reliance on antibiotics and improve sustainability in dairy production systems.

As dairy producers face increasing pressure to enhance efficiency while meeting animal welfare and food safety standards, innovations such as vaccination-based prevention are becoming central to herd management strategies.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.