Prof. Eric Cox, from the Laboratory of Immunology at Ghent University, co-authored a new publication presenting the most comprehensive analysis to date of erysipelas in cetaceans under human care.

The study compares two global surveys spanning three decades and covering more than 3,600 animals. Findings reveal that while erysipelas remains a significant health threat with high fatality rates, adverse vaccine reactions were rare and generally mild. Importantly, the data show that cetaceans face a far greater risk from the disease itself than from vaccination.

The work underscores the importance of preventive vaccination programs and provides valuable insights into vaccine safety, regional availability, and disease management strategies in marine mammal facilities worldwide.

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