University of Georgia researchers have investigated the feasibility of immunizing and protecting foals from Rhodococcus equi by vaccinating new foals with a live-attenuated riboflavin-requiring R. equi strain. If this research moves forward to a successful vaccine, it will be of benefit to many horse owners.
Researching foal pneumonia vaccine
Foal pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Rhodococcus equi, which is widespread in the foal's environment and lives in horse manure.
Rhodococcus equi has remained a significant pathogen of foals despite improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of the pneumonia it causes. The preferred way to manage R. equi disease is by its prevention through vaccination, yet to date, no effective vaccine is available for immunization of foals
Also known as "rattles," foal pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Rhodococcus equi, which is widespread in the foal's environment and lives in horse manure. The R equi organism is especially virulent and one of the first signs of the condition is a severe bronchitis that causes a rattle sound when the foal breathes. If not treated promptly, R equi causes large abscesses in the lungs and intestines and can be fatal. It is among the top five most common equine diseases and is also known as summer pneumonia.
This research suggests that protective immunity to R. equi will necessitate the induction of appropriate cell mediated immune responses. If successful, this new vaccine could be used in other animals such as pigs which are also susceptible to the disease.
Learn more about this foal disease.