Staphylococcal Capsular Vaccine for Preventing Mastitis in Two Herds in Georgia

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Abstract
An encapsulated staphyloccal vaccine, consisting of heat-killed capsular-type A and B Staphylococcus aureus strains and capsular polysaccharide extracted from strain ATCC 31432 of S. epidermidis, was used to control bovine mastitis in 2 herds in Georgia. The vaccine was administered i.m. into 97 and 125 cows in the herds; equal numbers of animals were controls. A booster injection was given 2 wk after primary vaccination. No side effects were observed. In 1 herd, leukocyte content of milk samples decreased remarkably 1 wk after the booster injection. Significant resistance to infection was maintained for 4 mo. after vaccination. Estimation of the total loss of milk yield showed less loss compared to that in the control group for 4 mo. after vaccination. In the other herd, remarkable improvements of milk samples were observed as early as 1 wk after primary vaccination; resistance to infection continued for 6 mo. after vaccination, at which time experiments were terminated. At 3 mo. after vaccination, loss of milk yield was .apprx. 1/3 of that in the control group; this reduction of loss was maintained for 6 mo. after vaccination.