Escherichia Coli vaccine is indicated to protect poultry, cattle, swine by reducing mortality, lesions, and the severity of diarrhea caused by specific E. coli strains.
INDICATIONS
- Targets specific bacteria: It protects against enterotoxigenic E. coli strains that carry the F4 and F18 antigens, which are common causes of PWD.
- Reduces post-weaning diarrhea: It is used to actively immunize healthy pigs starting from around 18 days of age to prevent and reduce the effects of PWD.
- Minimizes bacterial shedding: By inducing immunity, the vaccine helps decrease the amount of E. coli shed in the feces of infected pigs, which helps limit the spread of the disease to other animals.
- Provides early and lasting immunity: A single oral dose can confer immunity within 7 days, which lasts for at least 21 days.
- Improves performance and reduces antibiotic use: Vaccination can lead to improved piglet performance and is a tool for reducing the need for antibiotics in the prevention of PWD.
ADMINISTRATION
- Individual Oral Drench: Dilute the reconstituted vaccine in a small amount of water (e.g., 3 mL per dose) and administer directly into the piglet’s mouth.
- Drinking Water System: Dilute the vaccine in the volume of water pigs will drink in 4 hours, using clean tanks/bowls or a dosing pump.
- Stabilizer: Add skimmed milk powder (5g/liter) or an electrolyte/stabilizer mix to protect the vaccine from water contaminants and improve palatability..
Key Steps & Precautions
- Preparation: Thaw the vaccine, reconstitute the powder with sterile water (e.g., 10mL for 50 doses), and mix thoroughly in a larger sterile container with the recommended water/stabilizer.
- Water Withdrawal: Withhold drinking water for 1-2 hours before vaccination to encourage intake of the medicated water.
- Timing: The final vaccine solution must be consumed within 4 hours.
- No Residues: Ensure all equipment and water are free from antibiotics, detergents, or disinfectants for at least 3 days before and after vaccination.
- Age: Administer to piglets from 18 days of age, ideally 7 days before expected weaning.