News article, 28. April 2021

Vaccine to replace medicinal zinc

In collaboration with Copenhagen University, SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre is currently working on a vaccine to further reduce antibiotic consumption.

Photo: Danish Agriculture & Food Council

It’s full speed ahead at SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre and Copenhagen University in the development of a vaccine against weaning diarrhoea. The process has been underway since 2019 but was delayed in the spring of 2020 due to COVID-19. However, progress has been made as some of the work that has been carried out in the development of the COVID-19 vaccine is also beneficial in the development of a vaccine against weaning diarrhoea.

Antibiotic consumption reduced and medicinal zinc unnecessary

If the development of the vaccine is successful, this will have a significant impact on the use of antibiotics in piglet production and make zinc in piglet feed unnecessary.

"We’re dealing with a vaccine that has huge potential for both Danish and international pig production, so this is a crucial focus area where we can make significant progress in terms of antibiotic consumption,” says Poul Bækbo, Senior Veterinary Adviser, Nutrition & Health, SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre.

The first herd to be vaccinated in May

Initial trials with the vaccine will begin in May at SEGES Danish Pig Research Centre’s testing centre. A total of 60 pigs will receive the vaccine combination.

"Initially, it is primarily a question of whether the pigs respond immunologically: that their immune system produces antibodies against E.coli, Lawsonia and Brachyspira, the bacteria that the vaccine is intended to fight off,” explains Poul Bækbo.