Prophylactic and therapeutic application of Propionibacterium avidum KP-40 in swine and calves with acute enzootic bronchopneumonia.

The usefulness of the prophylactic or therapeutic application of Propionibacterium avidum KP-40, a potent stimulator of the monocyte-macrophage-system, was demonstrated in piglets and calves. After a 3-month-period of observation PA-treated piglets showed a significantly improved development (decreased number of infections, gain of body weight). In piglets and calves the therapeutic use of PA together with oxytetracycline proved to be superior in the treatment of acute endemic enzootic bronchopneumonia (AEB) as compared to groups of animals receiving PA or oxytetracycline alone.