Our research demonstrates that antibodies and passive immunity can control infectious diseases by reducing symptoms, stopping virus shedding and improving economic performances.

Vaccination has long been considered the gold standard to protect animals against infectious diseases. A growing body of research, however, shows that vaccines don’t always meet farmer needs

 
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LIMITS OF VACCINATION

  • Vaccines typically provide between 50 and 70% protection for any given disease, which leaves 30-50% of the herd unprotected and at risk of disease and disease transmission..

  • Immunity is only effective between 3-4 weeks after vaccination.  During this period the herd is vulnerable to infection because animals are not protected by maternal antibodies and not yet or only partially  protected by the vaccine.

  • Vaccines generate a spectrum of antibodies that do not always protect against all virus strains or disease. This becomes evident when viruses mutate or strain variation occurs in the  herd.

  • Vaccines are preventative interventions and do not treat the disease nor reduce symptoms  associated with infection. 

  • Vaccination typically requires  multiple injections to be fully effective.  This requires investment in  time and resources to administer multiple doses and keep track of individual animals to complete the vaccine schedule both of which are burdensome and expensive.

  • It is difficult to safely and effectively combine vaccines in the same injection because of the risk of interference  and a lack of robustness.

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THE POWER OF ANTIBODIES

  • Immediate protection which is of critical importance for young animals or for those just after weaning thus reducing the disease symptoms, disease transmission and economic losses.

  • Passive  antibodies provide unmitigated protection because their efficacy does not depend on antibody maturation and repertoire development in the host.

  • Antibodies occur in the blood and mucosa and target tissues where they can bind to and inactivate and neutralize pathogens. Antibodies activate the innate (complement) system to destroy pathogens.

  • Passive antibodies only need to be administered once per animal offering protection for the life of most production animals (pigs, feedlot cattle, chicken).

  • Combining several antibodies is straightforward and is not impeded by the risk of interference which allows one to administer fewer injections per animal.

  • Antibodies are immediately effective in reducing disease and symptoms.

  • Antibodies reduce transmission and virus shedding which is critical to dissemination, effectively reducing  economic losses and the risks of pandemics or zoonosis.

  • Antibodies are available to conserved epitopes on pathogens and may provide protection against multiple virus strains