Objective: USDA-ARS is currently looking for an industrial partner to help commercialize an innovative technology to prevent Eschericia coli (E. coli) disease in swine.

Overview: E. coli is the primary cause of Colibacillosis disease, which causes diarrhea in pigs. In U.S. swine operations, it is two to four times more prevalent than diseases attributed to Salmonella and Actinobacillus--other major bacterial diseases in swine. In 1995, 15 percent of deaths in U.S. nursery and pre-weaned swine were caused by E. coli-related diseases.

Related Technology: ARS researchers have developed and patented (US 5,951,977) a novel competitive exclusion technology to prevent E. coli disease in neonatal and nursery-age pigs. Competitive exclusion technology is the process of growing bacteria in the lab and then giving them to animals to protect against disease-causing bacteria. This technology has the potential to reduce antibiotic use in swine production, resulting in less expensive and safer pork products for consumers.

Industry Type: The ideal partner will be an expert in animal diseases, be interested in licensing the patented technology, be willing to support commercialization both intellectually and financially, and be willing to work toward Food and Drug Administration product approval.

Where: Southern Plains Area; USDA-ARS Food and Feed Safety Research Unit in College Station, Texas.

Laboratory Mission: The mission of the Food and Feed Safety Research Unit is to develop cost-effective means to prevent Salmonella and other harmful pathogens in poultry, swine, cattle, and other livestock.

If your company is interested in learning more about this opportunity, contact our regional technology transfer coordinator:

Bryan Kaphammer
USDA-ARS
1201 Oakridge Drive, Suite 150
Fort Collins, CO 80525-5562
npa-spattc@npa.ars.usda.gov

Partnering Opportunities

Partnering Opportunities Prescription Crop Management Protecting Swine from E. coli Diseases Synthetic Chemicals for Controlling Insect Behavior Technology for Developing Artificial Insect Diets Virtual Fence Technology for Managing Livestock Biological Control of Honeybee Varroa Mites Caffeine as a Repellent for Slugs and Snails Engineering Flowers for Commercial Use Enzyme-Based Technology to Reduce Environmental Pollution GPFARM - Cropping and Livestock Systems Simulation Software Improved Intestinal Bacteria to Enhance Animal Production Low-Cost Modified Citrus Peel for Industrial Applications Method to Control Dry Rot and Sprouting in Stored Potatoes Method to Diagnose and Improve Poultry Health New Uses for Grain Sorghum