FUNDING has been awarded to experts in the south west to develop a vaccine to help pig farmers. 

Streptococcus suis is a bacterial infection that can cause serious, and often fatal, disease in pigs but can also be transferred to humans working with them.

The infection has affected more than 60% of pig farms across Europe, and at present, there are no proven vaccines that address the various strains of the disease. 

However, a new project led by The Vaccine Group (a spinout of the University of Plymouth), will assess whether a vaccine candidate that has already shown to be effective against the diseases can protect pigs against all strains of the infection. 

The project also includes researchers from the University of Plymouth's faculty of health and the University of Cambridge. 

The research is being supported by a grant of just over £1million from Defra’s Farming Innovation Programme, delivered by Innovate UK.

Dr Jeremy Salt, chief executive officer at The Vaccine Group, said: “For pig farmers across the UK, Streptococcus suis is a major cause for concern and can lead to significant losses – both in terms of animals and financially. As a zoonotic infection, there is also the risk of the disease being passed on to humans working in the industry.

"Our goal in developing an effective vaccine is stop the bacterial infection from developing in pigs and humans in the first place. By doing so, we can better protect the farmers, their animals and their livelihoods. We can also make pork production more efficient, humane and sustainable, at the same time helping the sector address the global challenges of antibiotic resistance and carbon emissions.”

The Government is targeting a 50% reduction in antibiotic use in livestock by 2030 and so the project is key to helping them reach this target. 

The project works by administering a harmless virus which in turn generates greater quantities of proteins that induce an immune response in the animals.

The new trials, carried out in conjunction with animal health specialists at Moredun Scientific Ltd, will explore its potential to protect against different and emerging strains of the disease.

The research team will also engage directly with the pig farming community, to ensure the vaccine not only meets their requirements but can also be administered in an efficient and cost-effective manner.