Enteroporc Coli AC

Enteroporc Coli AC can only be obtained with a prescription and is available as an injection. It is given into the neck muscles in the area behind the ear of female pregnant pigs. The initial vaccination course is two injections given 3 weeks apart, with the second injection given 2 weeks before farrowing (giving birth). In each following pregnancy, sows that have previously been vaccinated according to this schedule should be given a single revaccination two weeks before the expected farrowing date.

Enteroporc Coli AC is a vaccine. Vaccines work by ‘teaching’ the immune system (the body’s natural defences) how to defend itself against a disease. Enteroporc Coli AC contains parts of the bacteria E. coli and C. perfringens that have been inactivated so that they cannot cause disease. When Enteroporc Coli AC is given to sows or gilts, the pig’s immune system recognises the inactivated bacterial parts as ‘foreign’ and makes antibodies against them. These antibodies are transferred from the mother to the piglets through the colostrum (first milk), and they help the piglets to fight E. coli or C. perfringens infections if they become exposed after birth. Protection of the progeny starts within 12 hours (against E. coli) or 24 hours (against C. perfringens) after birth and lasts for the first days of life (against E.coli), 14 days of life (against C. perfringens type A) and 21 days of life (against C. perfringens type C). Enteroporc Coli AC also contains the adjuvant (ingredient that strengthens the immune response) aluminium hydroxide.

Enteroporc Coli AC has been shown to reduce death and the clinical signs of E. coli or C. perfringens infections such as neonatal piglet diarrhoea and necrotic enterotoxaemia (a severe infection of the intestines).

Six laboratory studies conducted in newborn piglets showed protection began within 12 hours (E. coli) or during the first day of life (C. perfringens) and lasted for the first days of life (E. coli) or for 14 to 21 days (C. perfringens). In addition, three laboratory studies conducted in sows confirmed the effectiveness after revaccination, as determined by the levels of antibodies in colostrum.

Data from three field studies were presented in support of the results of the laboratory studies where efficacy was determined by antibody titres in colostrum of the vaccinated sows.

The most common side effects with Enteroporc Coli AC  (which may affect more than 1 in 10 animals) are an increase in body temperature on the day of vaccination that may last up to 24 hours, and swelling or redness at the injection site that resolves without treatment within seven days. A slightly depressed behaviour which may affect up to 1 in 10 animals can be observed on the day of vaccination.

None.

The withdrawal period is the time required after administration of a medicine before an animal can be slaughtered and the meat used for human consumption.

The withdrawal period for meat from pigs vaccinated with Enteroporc Coli AC is ‘zero’ days, which means that there is no mandatory waiting time.

The European Medicines Agency decided that Enteroporc Coli AC’s benefits are greater than its risks and it can be authorised for use in the EU.

Enteroporc Coli AC received a marketing authorisation valid throughout the EU on 9 December 2020.