IMMUNOLOGIE

• Vaccination in swine: a problem-raising issue
• A review of recent developments in vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease
• Serologic monitoring: Uses and implications

Vaccination in swine: a problem-raising issue
LAVAL A
AFMVP, Maisons-Alfort, 5-6 December 2002. Actualités en Production Porcine 2002 : 118-124
Several questions and problems are raised when vaccination in swine is considered. First, the European legal framework determines the use of certain vaccines. Then the pros and cons must be weighed concerning the choice of vaccines (either modified live vaccine or inactivated vaccine). The type of animals to be vaccinated (sows,gilts,piglets) and the vaccination regimen need to be assessed, bearing in mind that gilt vaccination is very important. The efficacy of a vaccine and the immunity conferred by the vaccine are also prerequisites. The components of a vaccine (antigens, type of strain, adjuvant) are essential criteria for deciding which vaccine is most appropriate. The author stressed on the fact that vaccines require a Marketing authorization (AMM) which is based upon quality, efficacy and safety studies. Off label use of the vaccines must be considered very carefully. New developments in genetics and immunology bring forth a new generation of vaccines (deleted vaccines or sub-unit vaccines). Lastly, combined vaccination may be an interesting alternative. In conclusion, even if it is a daily practice, Vaccination is a “medical act” that involves the veterinarian responsibility.

A review of recent developments in vaccination against Foot and Mouth Disease
LOMBARD M
Bull Acad Vet de France 2001 154: 381-394
Great improvements have been achieved concerning the making of a vaccine against FMD. The use of new adjuvants in the vaccine, the high standard purification of antigen, the creation of antigen banks for the storage of highly purified, inactivated virus as well as the eradication of non-structural protein markers by purification in order to differenciate vaccinated animals from infected one, all these new developments have contributed to the emergence of more reliable, highly innocuous vaccines which are ready to use in case of emergency vaccination. The ban on compulsory vaccination against FMD should be reassessed in the light of the new advantages brought by XXth vaccination technology.

Serologic monitoring: Uses and implications
PELGER G
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference 2002 102-105
Advice is given to practitionners on the different types of serologic assays available : when should they be used, for which disease, which animal should be tested, what are the reasons for using them…