#SwineImmunity

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Safeguarding Pork Production: Advanced Porcine Vaccine.

Introduction to Important Porcine Vaccines Pigs are susceptible to many infectious diseases that can seriously impact pig farming operations. Vaccines play a crucial role in protecting pigs and mitigating economic losses. This article provides an overview of some key porcine vaccines used internationally. Erysipelas Vaccine Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is the causative bacterium of erysipelas, a persistent infection affecting pigs. Clinical signs include skin lesions, arthritis, and endocarditis. Mortality can reach 30-50% without treatment. The erysipelas vaccine contains inactivated E. rhusiopathiae to induce protective antibodies against the bacterium. It is administered twice, with the second dose 3-4 weeks after the initial one. Vaccination has been shown to reduce skin lesions by 80-90% and mortality by 50-80%. PRRS Vaccine Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a contagious viral disease impacting pig productivity worldwide. The causative PRRS virus (PRRSV) targets the respiratory system and reproductive organs. Clinical signs include fever, lethargy, and respiratory distress and reproductive failure in sows. PRRSV infection leads to significant economic losses due to delayed pig growth, poor feed efficiency, increased culling, and mortality. The PRRS vaccine contains modified-live or inactivated PRRSV to induce protective immunity. Both vaccination and stringent biosecurity are required to effectively control PRRS. Leptospirosis Vaccine Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease caused by Leptospira interrogans. Pigs can act as carrier hosts, shedding the bacteria in their urine without showing clinical signs. However, leptospirosis infection in pigs may result in increased abortions, stillbirths, and delivery of weak piglets. The primary leptospirosis vaccine contains inactivated leptospires of multiple L. interrogans serovars, protecting pigs against infection and shedding. It is administered via intramuscular injection. E. coli Vaccines Escherichia coli is an important cause of post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and oedema disease (ED) in piglets. PWD and ED are enteric disorders primarily affecting 3-10 week old pigs, manifesting as watery diarrhoea and swelling of the jaw and forelimbs, respectively. Common E. coli serotypes involved include K88+, K99+, 987P, and F18. E. coli vaccines administered to sows transfer colostral antibodies to protect piglets during the critical weaning period. They contain inactivated or attenuated E. coli bacteria or their virulence factors like fimbriae. Further Advances in Porcine Vaccines Modern porcine vaccines aim to deliver multi-antigen formulations for improved protection against complex disease challenges. Newer subunit vaccines focus on targeting selected viral or bacterial antigens without using infectious agents. They carry a lower safety risk than conventional modified live vaccines. Recombinant DNA technology allows precise manipulation of pathogen genomes for production of genetically engineered vaccines. For example, DIVA (Differentiation of Infected from Vaccinated Animals) marker vaccines allow differentiation between vaccinated and infected animals through specific antibodies. Such advances enable porcine vaccines to provide broader, safer and more effective disease control in the future. Porcine vaccine development addresses emerging and re-emerging pig pathogens as well. For instance, porcine epidemic diarrhoea virus (PEDV) emerged in the US and spread globally, causing heavy losses. Early experimental PEDV subunit vaccines demonstrated acceptable safety and efficacy profiles. Continued vaccine R&D aims to combat evolving viral strains and support global pig production. Overall, strategic and appropriate use of optimized porcine vaccines constitutes a crucial prophylactic approach for the swine industry.