Development and protective efficacy of a recombinant-DNA derived fimbrial vaccine against enterotoxic colibacillosis in neonatal piglets.

A vaccine containing Escherichia coli fimbriae produced by recombinant-DNA techniques was tested in controlled challenge trials and in commercial piggeries experiencing neonatal enterotoxic colibacillocis. In the challenge trials, piglets suckling vaccinated sows were significantly protected from diarrhoea and colonization of the small intestine by enterotoxigenic E. coli. High titres of anti-fimbrial IgG antibody were detected in the serum and colostrum of vaccinated sows and in serum of their piglets. In the field trials, prevalence of diarrhoea and preweaning mortality due to diarrhoea were greatly reduced in piglets suckling vaccinated sows.