Study Shows E.coli Vaccine Efficacy

CANADA- A research evaluation has shown that cattle vaccines are consistently successful in reducing the amount of bacteria shed by animals.

7 November 2012

2 minute read

North America

Researchers at the University of Guelph, Ontario have conducted an evaluation of two cattle vaccines with the hope of reducing E.coli 0157: H7’s spread, which due to the recent outbreak at XL Foods, is currently an important issue in Canadian agriculture.

E.coli 0157:H7 is frequently spread by cattle shedding their faeces. Research has shown that some 10 per cent of cows going to slaughter are responsible for spreading the majority of bacteria. These animals are referred to as ‘super-shedders’ and shed 96 per cent of E.coli.

No vaccine exists for humans but two vaccines are available for cattle: a type III secreted proteins vaccine called Bioniche® (currently licensed for use in Canada) and a siderophore receptor and porin protein, Epitoplix®.

The vaccines work by reducing the bacteria’s ability to grow in the cattle’s digestive system.

The study, by the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, evaluated 18 previous academic publications that looked into the efficacy of the two E.coli vaccines when administered before slaughter (i.e. pre-harvest).

The results of the evaluation showed that vaccinating cattle was a consistently successful E.coli control. The research report, written by Dr Varela, concluded that cattle who were vaccinated twice shed 47 per cent less E.coli.