Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a major cause of disease and economic loss in poultry production and a key driver of antibiotic use. Current control measures are insufficient due to the high genetic diversity of APEC and increasing antimicrobial resistance. This project aims to develop a safe and effective vaccine to protect poultry against APEC infections. The vaccine concept is based on many years of prior research and a proprietary approach currently under patent application, designed to induce robust and broad protective immunity. Successful implementation is expected to reduce disease incidence, lower antibiotic usage, improve animal welfare, and support more sustainable poultry production.

At project initiation, activities focus on generating key data required for downstream vaccine development and regulatory readiness. The genetic stability of the vaccine strain will be assessed through long-term passaging under defined conditions, including co-cultivation with homologous E. coli and heterologous bacterial species. In parallel, critical batch release parameters will be established and appropriate analytical methods selected and validated. These steps close a major gap between laboratory-scale proof-of-concept and reproducible vaccine manufacturing. The project will deliver standardized stability datasets and a defined batch release concept, forming the basis for subsequent preclinical evaluation, scale-up, and regulatory interaction. Continuation toward scale-up and commercialization is planned, supported by ongoing discussions with industry partners and follow-up funding initiatives.