June 22, 2010

 

Australian researchers develop swine dysentery vaccine

A Murdoch University spin-off biotechnology company, Spirogene, has received major backing to develop and commercialise a vaccine for swine dysentery.

 

"We've identified a number of potential vaccine candidates and the challenge trials have been very encouraging," Spirogene chief executive officer Dr Alistair Murdoch said.

 

The company has secured a major collaborative research and licensing agreement with a global pharmaceutical company, according to Murdoch.

 

The aim of the project originally was to develop a diagnostic test and a vaccine for the control of brachyspira in pigs and poultry. Brachyspira causes dysentery in pigs and intestinal spirochaetosis in laying chickens.

 

"It's estimated that up to 30% of pigs in major commercial herds have the organism present in their digestive tract that causes swine dysentery, however, the incidence of clinical disease is being controlled by the use of antimicrobial drugs."

 

Swine dysentery is common in many parts of the world. It affects particularly growth rates in grower and finisher pigs and has an impact on producer profitability.

 

"This means the pigs take longer to finish and the stocking capacity of the piggery is reduced. There are also extra costs in feed and things like medication," said David Hampson, a professor of veterinary microbiology at Murdoch University and the chief scientific officer of Spirogene.

 

"The presence of disease is a welfare issue and this means that the producer needs to provide additional care for affected pigs, like separating sick pigs and regularly monitoring and treating them," he added.