New vaccine could be a “game changer” for UK pig industry
9th September 2024
A vaccine that could halt the development and spread of one of the more common diseases affecting UK pigs is set to be trialled.
Scientists have received government funding to trial a vaccine for Streptococcus suis, a bacterial infection that can cause serious, often fatal disease in pigs.
It can also be transferred to humans who work with pigs.
Vaccine urgently required
Some studies have shown it affects more than 60% of pig farms in a number of countries across Europe, posing challenges for both the pork industry and public health.
But there are currently no proven vaccines addressing the many strains of the disease in the UK.
Infected pigs are treated using a number of different antibiotics.
In order to meet the government’s target of a 50% reduction in antibiotic use in livestock by 2030, an effective vaccine is urgently required.
The new project brings together world-leading experts from The Vaccine Group, the University of Plymouth, and the University of Cambridge.
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Protecting against multiple strains
It will assess whether a vaccine candidate already shown to be effective against the most common strain of the disease can in fact protect pigs – and thereby prevent transmission to humans – against multiple, if not all, known strains.
The research team plans to engage directly with the pig farming community, to ensure the vaccine not only meets their requirements but can also be administered in an efficient and cost-effective manner.
The research is being supported by a grant of just over £1million from Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK.
Dr Jeremy Salt, CEO at The Vaccine Group, said:
“Our goal in developing an effective vaccine is stop the bacterial infection from developing in pigs and humans in the first place.
“By doing so, we can better protect the farmers, their animals and their livelihoods.
“We can also make pork production more efficient, humane and sustainable, at the same time helping the sector address the global challenges of antibiotic resistance and carbon emissions.”
Exploring the vaccine’s potential
The project will build on previous research by The Vaccine Group and the University of Plymouth, which identified the potential candidate for the Streptococcus suis vaccine.
It works by administering a harmless virus which in turn generates greater quantities of proteins that induce an immune response in the animals.
The new trials, carried out in conjunction with animal health specialists at Moredun Scientific Ltd, will explore its potential to protect against different and emerging strains of the disease.
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