Amplimune, an immunotherapy for calf scours, has received an Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) listing in Canada. This means calves treated with Amplimune are in compliance with Canada’s Organic Regime regulations.

Amplimune, produced by Nova Vive Inc., is an immunomodulator that reduces the clinical signs and mortality associated with E. coli K99 diarrhea in neonatal calves. The product is an emulsion of mycobacterium cell wall fractions that when injected enhances innate immunity to fight bacterial infections without the use of antibiotics. The product has received regulatory approval for sale in the U.S. and Canada.

In one study done at the University of Belgrade 23 calves were challenged with E. coli K99+. Eleven were given a single one-ml dose of Amplimune intravenously at the onset of clinical signs of infection, the remaining 12 were an untreated control group. The severity and duration of the illness was significantly reduced in the treated group and mortality was reduced to 10 per cent versus 58 per cent in the control group.

Antibiotics are not an option for treating bacterial diseases in organic cattle.

OMRI is a non-profit organization that provides an independent review of products, such as fertilizers, pest controls, livestock health care products, and numerous other inputs that are intended for use in certified organic production and processing.