Pig pathogen added to disease model portfolio
Researchers at Moredun Scientific have completed the validation of a Streptococcus suis Serotype 2 disease model in weaner piglets. It is hoped that it will prove useful in the formulation of vaccines and studies into therapeutic efficacy.
Streptococcus suis, a bacterial pathogen of pigs, is of great importance to the global pig industry because of the economic ramifications of disease outbreaks and the according effects on the welfare of infected herds. The disease can make the jump to humans if protocols to prevent the spread of blood-borne diseases are not followed.
An outbreak which started in the Sichaun Province of western China in July 2005 led to over two hundred people being infected and 38 fatalities. The disease has also been identified as the most common cause of meningitis in Vietnam.
Serotype 2 is the strain of the disease which has been identified as being responsible for the majority of infections, and no licensed vaccine is currently available.
Head of Animal Health at Moredun Scientific David Reddick said: "We are pleased to extend our disease model portfolio to offer a highly effective model of S.suis infection to our animal health clients supporting their efforts to prevent and control the disease."
With Strangles Awareness Week just around the corner (5-11 May), vets are being encouraged to share a survey about the disease with their horse-owning clients.
