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Oral vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis — the agent responsible for Ileitis or PPE — is a new tool for pork producers and their veterinarians. Enterisol^® Ileitis is the first tool to provide ongoing protection against infection with Lawsonia. While medications have value, they only provide protection while present. Long standing benefit from vaccination can protect pigs even when effective antibiotics are not in the feed or water.

Licensing data from USDA studies demonstrated the value of vaccination. Pigs had lower rates of infection with Lawsonia when challenged with virulent field organisms. The intestines were protected from infection, resulting in less damage. Fewer organisms were present in feces, leading to a lower infection rate to other pigs in the environment. This one-two punch reduces subsequent exposure to the remaining pigs in the group dramatically. The net for the producer is pigs that maintain growth rate even though they are exposed to ileitis!

Field results confirm lab studies

Studies to determine the impact of Enterisol Ileitis have started. Groups of pigs (barns) have been compared to control (non-vaccinated) pigs on common antibiotic medications, such as Tylan,^® used in the presence of ileitis. Clinical disease confirmed by post mortem or serology occurred in nearly 75% of medicated groups to date, with less than 10% of vaccinated groups showing confirmed signs of ileitis. Lower production costs and less medication use resulted from healthier pigs protected by vaccine. Further studies are in progress, with information continuing…look for more updates in future issues of Insight.

Less medication follows PQA guidelines

Some studies with Enterisol Ileitis included groups that received no further medication targeted against ileitis. In some groups, medications were removed from several diets completely. Avoiding unnecessary use of medication saves money, and may help preserve for agricultural uses. Strategic use of vaccination and medication pays!

Application

Enterisol^® Ileitis is known to stimulate protective immunity when vaccination occurs four weeks prior to challenge with Lawsonia, similar to Mycoplasma and PRRS vaccines. Vaccinate pigs against ileitis at least four weeks ahead of exposure, or 5-6 weeks prior to scours. This allows pigs to develop immunity prior to exposure. Timing with non medicated feed may be made simple with this advance notice.

More information

Knittel JP, et al. Efficay of an avirulent Lawsonia intracellularis vaccine in swine. Research Supplement to Proceedings of the Allen D. Leman Conference. 2000. Page 31.

Knittel JP. Porcine Proliferative Enteropathy and Lawsonia intracelluaris. The Compendium. Vol 21, No. 2. 1999. Page S23.