Source: MEATINGPLACE, 10/17/16


Kansas State University researchers recently patented a vaccine that provides antibiotic-free prevention and treatment of Fusobacterium necrophorum infection, which afflicts cattle and sheep.

The vaccine is intended as an alternative to antibiotics currently used to control the infection, which causes liver abscesses, calf diphtheria and foot rot or abscesses.

It works by immunizing the animal against leukotoxins, which kill white blood cells and Kupffer cells -- the liver's natural weapons against bacteria – and by preventing the bacterium from attaching to organs.

"This way, we don't expose people's food to bacteria that have acquired resistance to many antibiotics, so the vaccine protects both animals and humans," said lead researcher Sanjeev Narayanan, a professor in the university's College of Veterinary Medicine.

The vaccine is currently in testing for cattle, and may eventually be available also for sheep and for people.

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