ARS | Publication request: DEVELOPMENT OF EDWARDSIELLA ICTALURI VACCINES

Submitted to: American Society for Microbiology Branch Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: October 18, 2004
Publication Date: October 22, 2004
Citation: Shoemaker, C.A., Klesius, P.H. 2004. Development of edwardsiella ictaluri vaccines. American Society for Microbiology Branch Meeting.

Technical Abstract: Edwardsiella ictaluri, the causative agent of enteric septicemia of catfish (ESC), is responsible for $ 60 million in annual losses to catfish farmers in the Southeast. This disease is also becoming important in other areas of the world where catfishes are grown (e.g., Vietnam and China). Development of a successful vaccine against Edwardsiella ictaluri required the vaccine to be safe and administered by immersion to 7-10 day post hatch (DPH) fry. Early attempts at vaccination of catfish used killed vaccines. These vaccines failed to enter the fish and provide protection. We developed a modified live E. ictaluri vaccine that was attenuated and stimulated a cellular immune response. In vivo reversion to virulence studies demonstrated the vaccine was safe. Over 2.2 million catfish were vaccinated in State veterinarian (Alabama and Mississippi) and USDA-APHIS approved field trials to demonstrate safety of the vaccine. Laboratory trials showed the vaccine provide protection to eyed eggs (in ovo vaccination), 7-10 day post hatch fry and juvenile catfish (3-9 month old). Further characteristics of the vaccine and its use in the catfish industry will be presented