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Veterinarian's
Corner |
Michael D. Piontkowski,
DVM
Senior Staff Veterinarian
Technical Service
Serum Antibody Products
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Serum antibody products are as
the name implies, derived from serum, the fraction of whole blood that contains
the disease-fighting proteins known as antibodies. Antibodies are produced by
normal animals in response to an antigen (in our case, bacteria or bacterial
toxins) and are very specific for that antigen. An antigen, in the presence of
its specific antibodies is destroyed or neutralized. The end result is an animal
immune to that antigen. One way to produce antibodies (immunity) is to
vaccinate, but that takes time. An alternate method to produce immunity is to
provide the actual antibodies in a ready-to-use format, or a serum antibody
product.
Like the cavalry unit that storms over the hill to save the day, a serum
antibody product provides immediate treatment or prevention of a specific
threat, like bacteria or a toxin capable of causing disease in the animal. This
type of immunity is known as passive immunity. Colostrum is another example of
passive immunity as opposed to active immunity produced by vaccines that require
a minimum of two to four weeks to produce an effective immunity. Active immunity
is like the soldiers holding the fort and always ready to mobilize against an
enemy threat.
Advantages of a serum antibody product are of course its immediate response. It
can be used for treatment or prevention (vaccines are for prevention). Bacterial
resistance is not an issue and there are no drug residues. It will not interfere
with antibiotic therapy. Derived from live animals, it is a natural product (thimerosol
and phenol are added as preservatives).
Serum antibody products can be used as an immediate, but temporary prevention of
a disease or as a treatment of a current disease. It can be used to supplement
inadequate consumption or quality of colostrums. A producer can supplement or
support an antibiotic treatment or treat animals that are not responding to
treatment. They can also be used in the face of an epizootic (animal version of
an outbreak).
Remember the protection will be short-term, lasting only about ten to fourteen
days. For long-term protection, vaccination should follow about two to three
weeks after the use of a serum antibody product.
As always, read and follow the label directions.
At Colorado Serum Company, we provide three serum antibody products.