Veterinarians and producers now can protect pigs against two of the most virulent types of Salmonella with a single, convenient oral dose administered by the drinking water or oral drench.

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. (BIVI) has introduced a new swine enteric vaccine against two of the most virulent types of salmonella. Enterisol Salmonella T/C is the only swine single-dose oral vaccine labeled as an aid in preventing disease due to Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium when administered by drinking water.

"Among traditional enteric diseases affecting pigs today, salmonella is one of the most widespread, resilient organisms and for many producers, may be a common cause of lost production on farms," said Dr. Greg Cline, technical manager for enteric products at BIVI. "Preventing both common types of salmonella is the most effective way to protect pigs from disease, improve pig performance and increase farm profits."

Either type of salmonella infection can be harmful to pigs and costly to producers:

* S. choleraesuis is more invasive and can result in septicemia, bronchopneumonia and death. Although there are no food safety concerns with S. choleraesuis, it is more devastating in terms of mortality and lost production.

* S. typhimurium infection is more localized. It causes diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and reduced performance. Because S. typhimurium poses a food safety risk to humans, producers should be especially vigilant in preventing this disease.

Enterisol Salmonella T/C is available in lyophilized (freeze-dried) or frozen formulations. It can be administered via the drinking water or oral drench to pigs as young as two weeks of age.

In addition, oral delivery of the vaccine results in less stress for pigs and greater convenience for workers by eliminating the need for injections. Oral vaccination through the drinking water may also improve worker safety and pork quality.