abstract |
The majority of the mortality observed in young pigs occurs between three and five weeks post-weaning for S. suis infections and between four and six weeks post-weaning for H. parasuis and Actinobacillus suis infections. Clinical disease control associated with S. suis, A. suis and H. parasuis has been attempted using antibiotic treatment, by controlled exposure with live organisms, and by vaccination, using either inactivated commercial or autogenous bacterins administered parenterally. A similar lack of protection in very young pigs is observed with various viruses including swine influenza virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus and rotavirus. Disclosed herein is an immunogenic composition comprising inactivated antigens and a mucosal adjuvant. The composition may be administered to subjects, such as animals, particularly piglets from pre-weaning through the nursery phase, such as from birth or from three to five days of age, to protect from these diseases. |