Pfizer Animal Health launches new E. coli vaccine

Pfizer Animal Health has launched a new vaccine for E. coli that is designed to help address the issue of food poisoning.

The new E. coli Bacterial Extract vaccine with SRP technology is manufactured by Epitopix and is being launched by Pfizer Animal Health after it acquired global rights to distribute the treatment.

It is designed to reduce the prevalence and shedding of E. coli O157 among cattle using the animal's own immune system, while avoiding any associated production setbacks.

The company said this treatment will aid beef producers' efforts to combat food-borne pathogens such as E. coli O157, which does not cause illness to animals but can be harmful to human consumers.

Dale Grotelueschen, managing veterinarian of Pfizer Animal Health's veterinary operations, said: "This is the first vaccine of its kind for E. coli O157 and an exciting new opportunity for the beef industry."

Earlier this month, Pfizer Animal Health completed a takeover of Synbiotics, a move that will allow it to enter the diagnostics market for the first time.