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Anyone who has experienced problems involving mycoplasmosis, caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum, knows that other challenges may arise in the sequence: the disease is silent and a predisposing factor for other diseases. This means that, in addition to the economic losses it causes to flocks, it can also be a gateway for other bacteria responsible for serious infections. Among them, Escherichia coli, Avibacterium paragallinarum, pasteurellae and many others.
An important strategy to combat the disease, combined with biosecurity measures, is vaccination against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG). But, even having proven to be the most effective measure, just vaccinating is not enough. It is necessary to understand that vaccines are not all the same and, therefore, do not result in the same protection.
So, how to choose the one that can present the most satisfactory results? That’s what our Business Manager, Nelson Haga, explains in the following content.
F strain: efficacy against mycoplasmosis
There are currently three different types of vaccines on the market: live attenuated, inactivated and live recombinant vaccines. We have already talked in more details here and now the important thing is to understand that there is a great difference among them when it comes to the protection titer: the F vaccine strain, which offers the most protection to birds against the high challenges caused by Mycoplasma gallisepticum.
Mycoplasma gallisepticum: cause of mycoplasmosis
(Image by Science Direct)
According to the publication of Dr. Stanley H. Kleven (University of Georgia), an avian infectious disease researcher, the F strain has moderate virulence for chickens (it is virulent for turkeys), colonizes the upper respiratory tract efficiently, and offers protection against losses in egg production. This strain excellently protects against colonization by challenge strains, and replaces wild strains present in multiple-age laying farms.
“The F vaccine strain is the determining factor in terms of protection. Evidence of this has been proven through serology, which is the most effective way to assess a vaccine’s protective titer,” says Nelson.
However, according to the Business Manager, we are not talking about rapid serum agglutination (RSA), which is the most common screening test as an initial serological procedure to assess flocks of mycoplasmosis-free chickens. “It turns out that it is not entirely accurate. This is because, although the so-called rapid tests carried out in the field are easy to handle and indicate whether the flock is positive (or not) for MG, they do not quantify or qualify the antigen. Also, it is possible to have false positives,” he explains.
The recommendation is to always perform the ELISA test (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay), an exam performed in the laboratory that makes a more accurate reading of the amount of antibodies against certain infectious agents in the blood serum.
ELISA test (Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay)
Thus, the ELISA test is essential to prove the protective titer that a vaccine confers on the flock. According to Nelson, 5 to 6 weeks after vaccination, it is already possible to visualize the concentration of antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum in the serum.
“It is through the ELISA test that the potential of the F vaccine strain was proven and we also confirmed the high protective titers of CampVac® MG-F, from Biocamp”, he says. In in-house tests at Biocamp’s Research and Development (R&D) laboratory, the longevity of protective titers was confirmed for 32 weeks after vaccination.
CampVac® MG-F: differential in poultry production
CampVac® MG-F is a vaccine developed by Biocamp for immunization against field infections with Mycoplasma gallisepticum. With the F vaccine strain in its composition, it:
- Stimulates solid immunity in the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, such as tracheas and air sacs, the main routes of infection by pathogenic bacteria;
- Protects the reproductive tract of chickens;
- Reduces ovarian regression that affects egg production;
- Enables a greater number of eggs per hen housed;
- Ensures stability in egg production for long periods.
One of the main differentials of CampVac® MG-F is that it has high vaccine titers, promoting protection for a long period of time. In this way, it provides lasting immunity throughout the bird’s reproductive life and a greater amplitude of immunity compared to other live or recombinant MG vaccine strains.
“However, for the results to be satisfactory, two doses are recommended in growing period: the first around 5 to 6 weeks and the second between 8 to 12 weeks. The most indicated application is the ocular route”, reinforces Nelson.
It is scientifically proven by the ELISA test that CampVac® MG-F is more effective against Mycoplasma gallisepticum challenges. So, why risk having your flock infected with mycoplasmosis, having productive losses and an “open door” to other diseases?
With CampVac® MG-F you can take your business out of the danger zone and increase the protection shield to minimize secondary problems that could arise from an infection. Talk to Biocamp and define the best vaccination program for your farm!
