Batch potency testing of inactivated erysipelas vaccines by ELISA--development, validation and implementation

Inactivated erysipelas vaccines are widely used to protect pigs against erysipelas disease caused by the bacterium Erysipelothrix (E.) rhusiopathiae. Quality control tests for this vaccine are laid down in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur.) Monograph No. 64. A laboratory animal model using a vaccination-challenge procedure is currently required as batch potency test. More than 10 years ago we initiated the first studies to develop an alternative ELISA potency model to replace this regulatory challenge test in mice. A short retrospective outline of the various steps from the development of the method until implementation into the regulatory requirements is described.