Efficacy of an Escherichia coli J5 mastitis vaccine in an experimental challenge trial.

An Escherichia coli (O111:B4) J5 bacterin was tested for efficacy in reducing IMI and severity of clinical coliform mastitis in an experimental challenge trial. Ten cows were immunized at drying off, 30 d after drying off, and at calving. Ten control cows were not immunized. Right front quarters of all cows were infused with a heterologous strain of E. coli approximately 30 d after calving. Vaccinated cows had lower bacterial counts in milk and lower rectal temperatures than unvaccinated controls following intramammary challenge. Milk production and DMI were more depressed in controls than in vaccinated cows. Milk SCC did not differ between experimental groups. Mean serum IgG titer to whole cell E. coli J5 was significantly greater in vaccinated than in unvaccinated cows at 30 d after drying off, day of challenge, and 7 d postchallenge. Milk IgG titer to E. coli J5 was higher at challenge in vaccinated than in control cows. Vaccination with the E. coli J5 bacterin did not prevent IMI but did reduce severity of clinical signs following intramammary experimental challenge with a heterologous E. coli strain.