Ridgeway Biologicals > Our Vaccines

Recent changes in legislation restricting the use of antibiotics in food producing animals have resulted in antibiotics often being an uneconomic intervention strategy for the control of infection.

A particular and recent problem for several egg producers is peritonitis and septicaemia caused by multiple antibiotic resistant E. coli strains in laying birds. E. coli is a very heterogeneous bacterial species and on each farm several serotypes of E. coli can be associated with disease. The virulence factors of avian pathogenic E. coli (APEC) are poorly defined. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the serotype specific antigen, has been shown to be immuno-dominant and antibodies to LPS have been associated with protective immune responses against E. coli infections.

As our emergency vaccines are derived from the bacterial strain(s) that is isolated from infected birds at the target site, they therefore have the potential to induce a potent immune response against the problem strain(s). Our clients have reported the use of emergency vaccines for the control of E. coli as highly effective in controlling this type of infection in free range, barn and organically reared birds.

For more information see: The Merck Veterinary Manual and The Ranger

Pasteurella vaccines for the control of Fowl Cholera

Fowl cholera is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Pasteurella multocida. Several sub-species of bacteria have been identified and at least 16 different LPS serotypes are currently recognised. Pasteurella multocida also expresses a polysaccharide capsule and 5 capsular serotypes are currently recognized – A through to F.

The mass produced Pasteurella vaccines are generally effective at controlling outbreaks. However, when outbreaks are associated with atypical strains or uncommon serotypes, the mass-produced vaccines can be ineffective. Emergency vaccines derived from the causative Pasteurella strain are normally very effective.

For more information see: The Ranger

Riemerella vaccines for the control of R. anatipestifer septicaemia and meningitis in ducks and turkeys

Riemerella anatipestifer is a common pathogen of young ducks and turkeys though other avian species may become infected. The virulence factors of this pathogen are poorly defined and birds become infested through abrasions of the skin or through mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract. There are more than 20 recognized Riemerella serotypes and inclusion of the appropriate strains in any vaccine preparation is important for the production of effective vaccines. Outbreaks of this infection can have devastating mortalities however our customers report that the use of our vaccines can dramatically reduce mortality rates.

For more information see: The Merck Veterinary Manual

We are able to produce flock specific mono- or poly-valent vaccines containing E.coli, Pasteurella and/or Riemerella strains that can be extremely effective at combating infections caused by these pathogens. The use of multivalent vaccines reduces labour costs and also reduces animal handling and associated stress to the animals by decreasing the number of injections required to induce comprehensive immune protection.