Elanco Animal Health has launched a new vaccine in the UK and Ireland that it describes as a ‘major breakthrough’ in the fight against post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD).
Coliprotec F4/F18, launched on May 1, is the first single dose oral vaccine intended for active immunisation of pigs against F4- and F18-positive strains of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), two significant agents of PWD.
Ciara O’Neill, Elanco’s UK and Ireland technical consultant, said the vaccine can contribute to herd health and performance by reducing both the incidence of moderate to severe PWD and the faecal shedding of these two economically damaging strains of E.coli from infected pigs.
She described the new vaccine, developed by Prevtec Microbia and distributed by Elanco in the EU, as ‘a sustainable and innovative solution to the age-old problem of post-weaning scours’.
She said: “Vets and farmers can have confidence in this new addition to their PWD toolbox, which will limit the impact of ETEC E.coli at such an important stage in pigs’ lives. The vaccine has the potential to change current practices on farm and could reduce the need for antibiotics post-weaning.”
Gaynor Hillier, Elanco’s affiliate director for the UK and Ireland, says: “As a major breakthrough in the fight against post-weaning diarrhoea in pigs, Coliprotec F4/F18 is a significant addition to our range of vaccines in the UK and Ireland.”