Taking on a problem like salmonella is no easy task. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica Inc. is meeting the challenge with Enterisol Salmonella T/C, the first, and only, dual-antigen swine salmonella vaccine.

The company notes the product contains both Salmonella choleraesuis and Salmonella typhimurium antigens, allowing veterinarians and producers to vaccinate against both in a single oral dose.

The New Product Tour panel talked with Michael Steilen, senior brand manager, and Jessica Seate, technical manager at BIVI, to learn about the product, which was launched in September 2014. “Other salmonella products are labeled for S. choleraesuis and may have some cross protection against S. typhimurium, but Enterisol Salmonella T/C has specific protection for both,” Steilen said. “It’s really an apples and oranges comparison with other products. This is a first.”

Steilen explained that sales of the product have really taken off. Large production systems have adopted it, and some that have never used a salmonella vaccine before have started using it.

He explained that typhimurium is the more prevalent form of salmonella in the United States, but choleraesuis is found in herds, as well.

The product can be administered to animals 2 weeks of age or older and provides long-lasting immunity.

Steilen noted that Enterisol SC-54, a S. choleraesuis product that has been on the market for 20 years, is being replaced by the new Enterisol Salmonella T/C.

As for the competition, Steilen noted that some products may claim some cross protection, but explained that producers and veterinarians can see that this new product has specific protection against both strains.

The vaccine is available as a freeze-dried (lyophilized) product and in a frozen product. Steilen said there are more options to fit a producer’s herd size and needs with the frozen product (100, 250 and 500 doses). The lyophilized version is only available in the 100-dose size.

Field study results

In studies of effectiveness and safety as part of the licensing process, BIVI found the product performed well against a placebo. The weight difference in the S. choleraesuis challenge study was 15.4 pounds over those treated with a placebo. For the S. typhimurium challenge study, the average weight gain was 5.3 pounds over those treated with a placebo.

Seate noted that salmonella is underestimated since it appears (clinical signs) in only about one-quarter of pigs that are treated for the illness. And with other diseases such as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus taking precedence, salmonella often will take a back seat in priority.

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