Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vaccine against Coccidiosis in poultry. The vaccine comprises live Eimeria oocysts in a composition with relatively high viscosity because of the inclusion of between 0.3 and 1.5% w/v Xanthan gum. Upon spray vaccination the new vaccine forms beads that are quickly ingested by the birds and which provide a rapid vaccine take, resulting in a quick and effective improvement of the signs of Coccidiosis upon challenge infection. Also the invention relates to a method for the heat sterilisation of a composition comprising Xanthan gum; by the inclusion of a concentration of a metal salt, an irreversible and dramatic reduction in viscosity can be largely prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vaccine against Coccidiosis in poultry. The vaccine comprises live Eimeria oocysts in a composition with relatively high viscosity because of the inclusion of between 0.3 and 1.5% w/v Xanthan gum. Upon spray vaccination the new vaccine forms beads that are quickly ingested by the birds and which provide a rapid vaccine take, resulting in a quick and effective improvement of the signs of Coccidiosis upon challenge infection. Also the invention relates to a method for the heat sterilisation of a composition comprising Xanthan gum; by the inclusion of a concentration of a metal salt, an irreversible and dramatic reduction in viscosity can be largely prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary parasitology and -vaccinology; more specifically the invention relates to a composition comprising live Eimeria oocysts and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition is characterised in that it comprises a TLR3 agonist. The composition can be used to prepare a vaccine for poultry against Coccidiosis. The vaccine can be applied for example as a coarse spray on day-old chicks. The TLR3 agonist in the vaccine allows for a reduction of the dose of Eimeria oocysts up to 4 fold, while obtaining the same level of protection against challenge as from a vaccine without the TLR3 agonist. Alternatively, when employing a conventional dose of Eimeria oocysts in the vaccine, the TLR3 agonist causes an earlier onset of immunity, resulting in a significant reduction of the intestinal lesion score upon challenge, already at 2 instead of at 3 weeks after vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fields of veterinary parasitology and -vaccinology; more specifically the invention relates to a composition comprising live Eimeria oocysts and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The composition is characterised in that it comprises a TLR3 agonist. The composition can be used to prepare a vaccine for poultry against Coccidiosis. The vaccine can be applied for example as a coarse spray on day-old chicks. The TLR3 agonist in the vaccine allows for a reduction of the dose of Eimeria oocysts up to 4 fold, while obtaining the same level of protection against challenge as from a vaccine without the TLR3 agonist. Alternatively, when employing a conventional dose of Eimeria oocysts in the vaccine, the TLR3 agonist causes an earlier onset of immunity, resulting in a significant reduction of the intestinal lesion score upon challenge, already at 2 instead of at 3 weeks after vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved vaccine against Coccidiosis in poultry. The vaccine comprises live Eimeria oocysts in a composition with relatively high viscosity because of the inclusion of between 0.3 and 1.5% w/v Xanthan gum. Upon spray vaccination the new vaccine forms beads that are 5 quickly ingested by the birds and which provide a rapid vaccine take, resulting in a quick and effective improvement of the signs of Coccidiosis upon challenge infection. Also the invention relates to a method for the heat sterilisation of a composition comprising Xanthan gum; by the inclusion of a concentration of a metal salt, an irreversible and dramatic reduction in viscosity can be largely prevented.