Microbial strains for viral inhibition

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions comprising microbial strains for inhibiting viruses and methods therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to compositions of isolated Bacillus strains selected from isolated Bacillus strains 300, 86, 101, 235, 102, 177, A12, 54, 681, 721, strains having all the identifying characteristics of these strains and combinations thereof, and methods of using these strains for viral inhibition.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority under 35 USC §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 62 / 820,667, filed on March 19, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] Public domain

[0004] The present invention relates to compositions comprising microbial strains for inhibiting viruses and methods therefor. More specifically, the present invention relates to isolated Bacillus sp. Bacillus ) strains 300, 86, 101, 235, 102, 177, A12, 54, 681, 721, strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, and combinations thereof, and methods of using these strains for viral inhibition.

[0005] Background and Summary of the Invention

[0006] Effective control of viral infections in animals remains an unrealized goal, in part due to the high variability of viral replication strategies, genomes prone to mutation, and the limited availability of antiviral drugs. Bioactive peptides work in synergy with other defense mechanisms in both plants and animals, and can be considered one of the first forms of protection that eukaryotic cells have against viruses. Chemical antivirals generally have narrow specificity. Therefore, there is a need for alternative antiviral strategies associated with the use of microbial enzymes that are less toxic and more prone to decomposition without accumulating harmful substances.

[0007] Applicants have developed such an alternative antiviral strategy associated with the use of a direct-fed microbial composition comprising an isolated Bacillus strain that produces a microbial enzyme, wherein the isolated Bacillus strain is selected from the group consisting of isolated Bacillus strains 300, 86, 101, 235, 102, 177, A12, 54, 681, 721, strains having all of the identifying characteristics of these strains, and combinations thereof.

[0008] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 having strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause viral suppression in animals.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of a virus in an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67277), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67277), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218 ... strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and their combinations.

[0010] In yet another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral suppression in the animal.

[0011] In yet another embodiment, a method for controlling the deleterious effects of a virus is provided. The method comprises the steps of: administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof; and controlling the deleterious effects of the virus.

[0012] In another illustrative aspect, a commercial package is provided that includes: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0013] In another illustrative embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0014] In another embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0015] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided that comprises: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0016] In still another embodiment, a commercial package is provided that includes: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0017] In still another embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102; (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0018] In another illustrative embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102; (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0019] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided that comprises: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0020] The various embodiments described in the following numbered clauses are applicable to any embodiments described in this "Summary" section and in the sections of this patent application entitled "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments" or "Examples" or in the "Claims" appended to this application:

[0021] 1. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a Bacillus strain A12 having strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause viral suppression in animals.

[0022] 2. A method for controlling the deleterious effects of a virus in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.

[0023] 3. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral suppression in the animal.

[0024] 4. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of viruses in an animal, the method comprising the steps of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof and controlling the deleterious effects of viruses in the animal.

[0025] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0026] 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and breeding pigs.

[0027] 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0028] 8. The method of clause 6, wherein the animal is a nursery pig.

[0029] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the virus is rotavirus.

[0030] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein the rotavirus is rotavirus A or rotavirus C.

[0031] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the virus is a respiratory virus.

[0032] 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the virus is porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

[0033] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0034] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

[0035] 15. The method of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) in combination with a Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), or a combination thereof.

[0036] 16. The method of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) in combination with a Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.

[0037] 17. The method of any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0038] 18. The method of any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0039] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0040] 20. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0041] 21. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0042] 22. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0043] 23. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0044] 24. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0045] 25. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0046] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0047] 27. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0048] 28. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0049] 29. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0050] 30. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0051] 31. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0052] 32. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0053] 33. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0054] 34. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0055] 35. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0056] 36. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0057] 37. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0058] 38. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 177 ((NRRL No. B-67275).

[0059] 39. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0060] 40. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0061] 41. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0062] 42. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 41 further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0063] 43. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 42, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0064] 44. The method of clause 43, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0065] 45. The method of any one of clauses 1-7 or 9-44 wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0066] 46. ​​The method of any one of clauses 1-7 or 9-44 wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0067] 47. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 46, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0068] 48. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chicken, pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish and crustacea.

[0069] 49. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 48, wherein the viral inhibition or controlling the deleterious effects of the virus comprises reducing the amount of the virus in the animal or reducing the symptoms of a viral disease in the animal.

[0070] 50. The method of clause 9 or 10, wherein said viral inhibition or control of harmful effects of the virus in the animal comprises reducing enteric disease in the animal.

[0071] 51. The method of clause 11 or 12, wherein the virus inhibits or controls the harmful effects of the virus in the animal comprises reducing pneumonia in the animal.

[0072] 52. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 51, further comprising reducing the number of Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) virulence genes.

[0073] 53. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 51, further comprising reducing the number of Salmonella ( Salmonella )disease.

[0074] 54. The method of clause 53, wherein the salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella choleraesuis ( Salmonella choleraesuis )cause.

[0075] 55. A commercial package comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0076] 56. A feed additive for animal feed, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0077] 57. An additive for animal drinking water, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0078] 58. An animal feed composition comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0079] 59. A commercial package comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0080] 60. A feed additive for animal feed comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0081] 61. An additive for animal drinking water, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0082] 62. An animal feed composition comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0083] 63. A commercial package, a feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 62, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral inhibition in the animal.

[0084] 64. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in clause 56, 57, 60 or 61 in the form of a concentrate.

[0085] 65. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in clause 56, 57, 60 or 61 in the form of a super concentrate.

[0086] 66. A feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56-58 or 60-62 in dry form.

[0087] 67. The feed composition of clause 66 in the form of pellets.

[0088] 68. A commercial package according to clause 55 or 59, wherein the strain is in a form selected from the group consisting of powder, liquid and pill form.

[0089] 69. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 68 further comprising a carrier for a Bacillus strain.

[0090] 70. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 69, wherein the carrier is selected from bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0091] 71. A commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition as defined in any of clauses 55 to 70 in a bag.

[0092] 72. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 71, wherein the bag is a plastic bag or a paper bag.

[0093] 73. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any of clauses 55 to 72 further comprising instructions for use of one or more strains of the genus Bacillus.

[0094] 74. A commercial package of any of clauses 71-73, a feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals, in a 20 pound bag.

[0095] 75. A commercial package of any of clauses 71-73, a feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals, in a 50 pound bag.

[0096] 76. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 56, 57, 60, 61, 63-66 or 67-75 in powder form.

[0097] 77. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in any of clauses 56, 57, 60, 61 or 63-65 in liquid form.

[0098] 78. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 77 in a container intended for commercial use.

[0099] 79. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0100] 80. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0101] 81. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 80 further comprising a binder.

[0102] 82. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 81, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate (HSCAS) and dextran or a combination thereof. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0104] Figure 1 Graph showing comparison of gene counts and pre-weaning mortality (PWM) between two sampling time points in sow unit A. Bars correspond to the legend from left to right in each date group.

[0105] Figure 2 Graph showing comparison of gene counts between two sampling time points in sow unit A. Bars correspond to the legend from left to right in each date group.

[0106] Figure 3 Graph showing comparison of gene counts between two sampling time points in sow unit B. Bars correspond to the legend from left to right in each date group.

[0107] Figure 4 Figure 2. Graph showing the meta-analysis of the genetic numbers of piglets from 5 different sow farms studied before and after the use of Provent ECL.

[0108] Figure 5A-5B Graph showing the levels of immunomodulatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) present in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of pigs inoculated with Salmonella choleraesuis 8 days previously followed by intranasal inoculation with PRRS virus 3 days later. Bars correspond to legend from left to right.

[0109] Figure 6A-6B Figure 2 is a graph showing the expression of immune markers (TREM1, CFB, IL-12, NOD1, NOD2, and DHX58) obtained from whole blood samples; for all markers, Provent ECL had a significant effect (p < 0.05, two-way ANOVA). The bars from left to right in each group correspond to "Salmonella", "Salmonella + Provent ECL1", "Salmonella PRRS", and "Salmonella / PRRS + Provent ECL1".

[0110] Figure 7 Figure 2 is a graph showing viremia at autopsy. The horizontal bars represent the mean level of viremia in the group. The difference between the two group means is statistically significant (p<0.05). The points in the left column are ECL+ and the points in the right column are ECL-free.

[0111] Figure 8 Shown is a photograph of a gel displaying RAPD PCR profiles of Bacillus strains 86 and 300. Strain 86 has the top profile and strain 300 has the bottom profile.

[0112] Fig. 9 A photograph of a gel showing the RAPD PCR profile of Bacillus strain 101 is shown.

[0113] Fig.10 A photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile of Bacillus strain 235 is shown.

[0114] Fig.11 A photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile of Bacillus strain 102 is shown.

[0115] Fig.12 A photograph of a gel displaying the RAPD PCR profile of Bacillus strain 177 is shown.

[0116] Fig.13A A photograph of a gel showing the RAPD PCR profiles of Bacillus strains 681 and 721 is shown. Fig. 13B A photograph of a gel showing the RAPD PCR profiles of Bacillus strains A12 and 54 is shown.

[0117] Fig.14 Shown are the log10 numbers of E. coli and Salmonella virulence genes obtained from gastrointestinal samples from animals belonging to the different treatment groups. P values ​​were obtained by one-way t-test comparing Salmonella / PRRS and Salmonella / PRRS + DFM treatments.

[0118] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

[0119] The invention described herein relates to compositions comprising microbial strains for inhibiting viruses and methods therefor. For example, the invention relates to compositions comprising isolated Bacillus strains selected from isolated Bacillus strains 300, 86, 101, 235, 102, 177, A12, 54, 681, 721, strains having all identifying characteristics of these strains, and combinations thereof, and methods of using these strains for viral inhibition.

[0120] The various embodiments described in the following numbered clauses are applicable to any embodiments described in this "Detailed Description of Illustrative Embodiments" section and in the sections of this patent application entitled "Summary" or "Examples" or in the "Claims" appended to this application:

[0121] 1. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a Bacillus strain A12 having strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause viral suppression in animals.

[0122] 2. A method for controlling the deleterious effects of a virus in an animal, the method comprising administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, the additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.

[0123] 3. A method of feeding an animal, the method comprising the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral suppression in the animal.

[0124] 4. A method of controlling the deleterious effects of a virus, the method comprising the steps of: administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof; and controlling the deleterious effects of the virus.

[0125] 5. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 4, wherein the animal is selected from poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species, and companion animals.

[0126] 6. The method of clause 5, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and breeding pigs.

[0127] 7. The method of clause 6, wherein the animal is a sow.

[0128] 8. The method of clause 6, wherein the animal is a nursery pig.

[0129] 9. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the virus is a rotavirus.

[0130] 10. The method of clause 9, wherein the rotavirus is rotavirus A or rotavirus C.

[0131] 11. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 8, wherein the virus is a respiratory virus.

[0132] 12. The method of clause 11, wherein the virus is porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

[0133] 13. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 12, wherein the Bacillus strain produces an enzyme selected from the group consisting of α-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, xylanase, cellulase, and combinations thereof.

[0134] 14. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 13, further comprising the step of administering to the animal another bacterial strain selected from another Bacillus strain, a lactic acid bacteria strain, and combinations thereof.

[0135] 15. The method of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) in combination with a Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), or a combination thereof.

[0136] 16. The method of any of clauses 1-14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) in combination with a Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.

[0137] 17. The method of any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0138] 18. The method of any of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0139] 19. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0140] 20. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0141] 21. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0142] 22. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0143] 23. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0144] 24. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0145] 25. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0146] 26. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0147] 27. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0148] 28. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0149] 29. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516).

[0150] 30. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517).

[0151] 31. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515).

[0152] 32. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0153] 33. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943).

[0154] 34. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218).

[0155] 35. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219).

[0156] 36. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

[0157] 37. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276).

[0158] 38. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 14, wherein the strain administered is Bacillus strain 177 ((NRRL No. B-67275).

[0159] 39. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0160] 40. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0161] 41. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 38, wherein the Bacillus strain is cultured at a concentration of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 The dose of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition.

[0162] 42. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 41 further comprising the step of administering an antibiotic to the animal.

[0163] 43. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 42, further comprising the step of administering to the animal an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase, and combinations thereof.

[0164] 44. The method of clause 43, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

[0165] 45. The method of any one of clauses 1-7 or 9-44 wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during lactation.

[0166] 46. ​​The method of any one of clauses 1-7 or 9-44 wherein the animal is a sow and the Bacillus strain is administered during gestation.

[0167] 47. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 46, wherein the feed composition is administered to the animal daily.

[0168] 48. The method of clause 1, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of chicken, pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish and crustacea.

[0169] 49. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 48, wherein the viral inhibition or controlling the deleterious effects of the virus comprises reducing the amount of the virus in the animal or reducing the symptoms of a viral disease in the animal.

[0170] 50. The method of clause 9 or 10, wherein said viral inhibition or control of harmful effects of the virus in the animal comprises reducing enteric disease in the animal.

[0171] 51. The method of clause 11 or 12, wherein the virus inhibits or controls the harmful effects of the virus in the animal comprises reducing pneumonia in the animal.

[0172] 52. The method of any one of clauses 1-51, further comprising reducing E. coli virulence genes in the animal.

[0173] 53. The method of any one of clauses 1 to 51 further comprising reducing Salmonella illness in the animal.

[0174] 54. The method of clause 53, wherein the salmonellosis is caused by Salmonella choleraesuis.

[0175] 55. A commercial package comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0176] 56. A feed additive for animal feed, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0177] 57. An additive for animal drinking water, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0178] 58. An animal feed composition comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0179] 59. A commercial package comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0180] 60. A feed additive for animal feed comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0181] 61. An additive for animal drinking water, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0182] 62. An animal feed composition comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0183] 63. A commercial package, a feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 55 to 62, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral inhibition in the animal.

[0184] 64. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in clause 56, 57, 60 or 61 in the form of a concentrate.

[0185] 65. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in clause 56, 57, 60 or 61 in the form of a super concentrate.

[0186] 66. A feed additive, a feed composition or an additive for drinking water for animals according to any one of clauses 56-58 or 60-62 in dry form.

[0187] 67. The feed composition of clause 66 in the form of pellets.

[0188] 68. A commercial package according to clause 55 or 59, wherein the strain is in a form selected from the group consisting of powder, liquid and pill form.

[0189] 69. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any one of clauses 55 to 68 further comprising a carrier for a Bacillus strain.

[0190] 70. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 69, wherein the carrier is selected from bran, rice husk, salt, dextrin and combinations thereof.

[0191] 71. A commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition as defined in any of clauses 55 to 70 in a bag.

[0192] 72. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 71, wherein the bag is a plastic bag or a paper bag.

[0193] 73. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition according to any of clauses 55 to 72 further comprising instructions for use of one or more strains of the genus Bacillus.

[0194] 74. A commercial package of any of clauses 71-73, a feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals, in a 20 pound bag.

[0195] 75. A commercial package of any of clauses 71-73, a feed additive, a feed composition, or an additive for drinking water for animals, in a 50 pound bag.

[0196] 76. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as claimed in any one of clauses 56, 57, 60, 61, 63-66 or 67-75 in powder form.

[0197] 77. A feed additive or an additive for drinking water for animals as defined in any of clauses 56, 57, 60, 61 or 63-65 in liquid form.

[0198] 78. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 77 in a container intended for commercial use.

[0199] 79. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the container comprises plastic.

[0200] 80. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for drinking water for animals or feed composition of clause 78, wherein the container comprises paper.

[0201] 81. A commercial package, a feed additive, an additive for drinking water for animals or a feed composition as claimed in any one of clauses 55 to 80 further comprising a binder.

[0202] 82. The commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition of clause 81, wherein the binder is selected from clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate (HSCAS) and dextran or a combination thereof.

[0203] In various embodiments, the animal given feed additives as described herein, feed compositions or drinking water can be selected from poultry species, pig species, goat species, cattle species, sheep species, horse species and companion animals. In the embodiment where animal is a companion animal, companion animal can be, for example, dog species or cat species. In the embodiment where animal is a pig species, pig species can be selected from growing and breeding pigs, nursery pigs, sows and sows. In various exemplary embodiments, animal can be selected from chicken (such as broiler or laying hen), pig, horse, pony, cattle, turkey, goat, sheep, quail, pheasant, ostrich, duck, fish (such as tilapia, catfish, flounder or salmon) or crustacean (such as shrimp or crab). In still another embodiment, animal is sow or nursery pig, or the offspring of the sow fed with any bacillus strain as described herein. In another embodiment, feed additives as described herein, feed compositions or drinking water can be given to the human.

[0204] In various embodiments of the methods, commercial packages, feed additives, feed compositions, or additives for drinking water described herein, the Bacillus strain may have an effect selected from causing viral inhibition or controlling the deleterious effects of viruses in an animal, where viral "inhibition" or "controlling the deleterious effects of viruses" may mean reducing the number of viruses or viral genes in an animal, controlling or reducing viral replication in an animal, preventing or reducing viral diseases in an animal, or preventing or reducing any symptoms of viral diseases in an animal, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, viral inhibition or controlling the deleterious effects of viruses in an animal may include, for example, reducing or preventing enteric disease in an animal, or reducing or preventing pneumonia (e.g., bronchopneumonia) in an animal, or reducing or preventing pre-weaning mortality in an animal, or reducing or preventing peritonitis in an animal, or a combination thereof. In another embodiment of the methods, commercial packages, feed additives, feed compositions, or additives for drinking water described herein, as a result of feeding an animal with a Bacillus strain, E. coli virulence genes in the animal may be reduced, or Salmonella disease, such as Salmonella disease caused by Salmonella choleraesuis, may be reduced in the animal.

[0205] In any of the embodiments described herein, the virus may be a rotavirus, such as rotavirus A or rotavirus C. In another embodiment, the virus may be a respiratory virus, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus. In still other embodiments, the virus may be a single-stranded (+ strand or "sense") DNA virus, a double-stranded DNA virus, a double-stranded RNA virus, a single-stranded (+ strand or "sense") RNA virus, a single-stranded (- strand or "antisense") RNA virus, a single-stranded (+ strand or "sense") RNA-RT virus (with a DNA intermediate in its life cycle) or a double-stranded DNA-RT virus (with an RNA intermediate in its life cycle). In other embodiments, the virus may be any virus that infects an animal and causes a viral disease in the animal.

[0206] In any of the embodiments described herein, the Bacillus strain may be Bacillus subtilis ( Bacillus subtilis ) strains (e.g., strains 86, 300, 101, 235, A12, 681, 721, and 54) or Bacillus pumilus ( Bacillus pumilus ) strains (e.g., strains 102 and 177).

[0207] In any of the embodiments described herein, the Bacillus strains may be administered alone or in any combination, or may be in the form of any composition described herein such that the strains are in a composition described herein alone or in any combination. The Bacillus strains described herein may also be combined with other microbial strains, including other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus ( Lactobacillus ) strains) are used in combination. Exemplary combinations include Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 (described herein) and any combination of any combination of Bacillus strains 86, 300, 101, 102, 177 and 235 described in U.S. Application Publication No. 2017 / 0079308 and U.S. Application Publication No. 2017 / 0246224, each of which is incorporated herein by reference. Another exemplary combination includes any combination of Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681, 721, 86 and 300. Another exemplary combination includes any combination of Bacillus strains 86, 300, 101, 102, 177 and 235. Another exemplary combination includes a combination of Bacillus strain 300 with any strain (in any combination) of strains 86, 101, 102, 177, 235, A12, 54, 681 and 721. Another exemplary combination includes Bacillus strain 86 in combination with any of strains 300, 101, 102, 177, 235, A12, 54, 681, and 721 (in any combination).

[0208] In one embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 having strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and combinations thereof, wherein the Bacillus strains cause viral suppression in animals.

[0209] In another embodiment, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of a virus in an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive, wherein the additive comprises an isolated Bacillus strain selected from the group consisting of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67277), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67276), Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67277), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218 ... strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) and their combinations.

[0210] In yet another embodiment, a method of feeding an animal is provided. The method comprises the step of administering to the animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof, wherein the Bacillus strain causes viral suppression in the animal.

[0211] In another aspect, a method of controlling the deleterious effects of a virus is provided. The method comprises the steps of: administering to an animal a feed composition or drinking water comprising an effective amount of an additive comprising an isolated Bacillus strain or a combination thereof; and controlling the deleterious effects of the virus.

[0212] In one embodiment of the invention, an effective amount of a Bacillus strain can be administered to cause viral inhibition in an animal. "Effective amount" means an amount of a Bacillus strain (e.g., strain A12, or 54, or 681, or 721, or 101, or 235, or 300, or 86, or 102, or 177) that is capable of viral inhibition in an animal by any mechanism or capable of controlling the harmful effects of a virus in an animal by any mechanism.

[0213] In the embodiments described herein, wherein the composition of the present invention comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, is administered to an animal, the composition is preferably administered to the animal orally in a feed composition or in drinking water, but any other effective administration method known to those skilled in the art may be utilized, such as in a paste, liquid drench, top dressing, or capsule. In an illustrative embodiment, Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, is provided in the form of an additive for addition to the drinking water of an animal. In another embodiment, the strain may be used as a litter treatment.

[0214] In another illustrative embodiment, Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, are provided in the form of a feed additive for addition to a feed composition. The feed composition may contain Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, mixed with an animal feed admixture (including any animal feed admixture recognized in the art or any animal feed admixture described herein). As used herein, "feed composition" or "animal feed composition" means a feed composition comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 682, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, mixed with an animal feed admixture and optionally any other components useful in feed compositions, including other bacterial strains, such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains. In one embodiment, the feed composition may be in the form of a ground meal.

[0215] Any animal feed admixture, including those known in the art and those described herein, can be used according to the methods and compositions described in this patent application, such as rapeseed meal, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, corn meal, barley, wheat, silage, and semi-dry silage. In various embodiments, the animal feed admixture can be supplemented with Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, but other ingredients (including other bacterial strains, such as other Bacillus strains or Lactobacillus strains) can optionally be added to the animal feed admixture.

[0216] In various illustrative embodiments, optional ingredients of the animal feed admixture include sugars and complex carbohydrates, such as water-soluble and water-insoluble monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Other optional ingredients include dried distiller's grains solubles, fats (e.g., crude fat), phosphorus, sodium bicarbonate, limestone, salt, phytate, calcium, sodium, sulfur, magnesium, potassium, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, ash, fish oil, oil derived from fish meal, raw seeds (e.g., flaxseed), antioxidants, and starch. In another embodiment, minerals can be added in the form of a mineral premix.

[0217] Optional amino acid ingredients that can be added to the animal feed admixture are arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, cysteine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, tyrosine ethyl ester HCl, alanine, aspartic acid, sodium glutamate, glycine, proline, serine, cysteine ​​ethyl ester HCl, and analogs and salts thereof. Vitamins that can be optionally added are thiamine HCl, riboflavin, pyridoxine HCl, niacin, niacinamide, inositol, choline chloride, calcium pantothenate, biotin, folic acid, ascorbic acid, and vitamins A, B, K, D, E, and the like. In another embodiment, the vitamins can be added in the form of a vitamin premix. In yet another embodiment, a protein component can be added to the animal feed admixture, and the protein component includes protein obtained from meat meal, bone meal or fish meal, liquid or powdered eggs, fish solubles, crude protein, and the like.

[0218] In another illustrative aspect, any pharmaceutical ingredient known in the art can be added to the animal feed admixture or to the additive for the animal drinking water, such as an antibiotic. In various embodiments, the antibiotic is selected from ampicillin, chloramphenicol, ciprofloxacin, clindamycin, tetracycline, chlortetracycline, Denagard™ (i.e., tiamulin), BMD™ (i.e., bacitracin methylenedisalicylate), Mecadox® or Carbadox™ (i.e., carbadox), Stafac™ (i.e., virginiamycin), erythromycin, levofloxacin, trimethoprim / sulfamethoxazole, chloramphenicol, chlortetracycline ... In another embodiment, the animal feed admixture, feed composition, feed additive or additive for animal drinking water may be free of antibiotics.

[0219] In another illustrative embodiment, one or more enzymes may be added to the animal feed blend. In various embodiments, the enzymes that may be added include β-galactosidase, phytase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, combinations thereof, and any other enzymes that enhance the effectiveness of the feed composition for viral inhibition or control of viral deleterious effects. In yet another embodiment, yeast, fungi (e.g., Aspergillus spp.) Aspergillus ) or Trichoderma spp. Trichoderma )) or micronutrients are added to animal feed. Any of the above ingredients suitable for addition to an additive for animal drinking water may be added as an additive component for animal drinking water as described herein.

[0220] In various illustrative embodiments, a Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof), or any other bacterial strain added in addition to Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can be added at a concentration of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / g feed composition or at a dose of about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in a feed composition. In other embodiments, a Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof) is administered at a concentration greater than about 1.0 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.1 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.25 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.5 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.75 x 10 3 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 4CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 2.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 3.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 4.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 5.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 6.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 7.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 8.0 x 10 4 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 5 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 6 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 8 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 9 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 10 CFU / gram of feed composition, at a dose of greater than about 1.0 x 10 11 CFU / gram of feed composition or at a dose greater than about 1.0 x 10 12 In yet another embodiment, a Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof) is administered at a dose of about 7.3 x 10 4 In another embodiment, a Bacillus strain (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof), or any other bacterial strain added in addition to Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, may be administered in a dose of about 1.0 x 102 CFU / g feed composition about 5.0 x 10 12 CFU / g feed composition or at a dose of about 1.0 x 10 2 CFU / g feed composition about 1.0 x 10 7 CFU / gram of feed composition, or at a dose greater than about 1.0 x 10 2 The dosage of CFU / gram of feed composition is administered in the feed composition. In another embodiment, in embodiments where the strain is administered in the drinking water of the animal, any dosage described herein may be in the form of CFU / ml of drinking water.

[0221] In various embodiments, the Bacillus strain for use according to the methods and compositions described herein (e.g., Bacillus strain A12, and / or 54, and / or 681, and / or 721, and / or 300, and / or 101, and / or 235, and / or 86, and / or 102, and / or 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof) can be selected from Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-67220), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-672211), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-672222), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67223), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67224), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67225), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67226), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67227), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67228), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67229), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67221 strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), strains having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), and combinations thereof.Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 were deposited on September 14, 2017 at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999, and were assigned accession numbers B67516, B67517, B67515 and B67514, respectively. The deposits were made in accordance with the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The NRRL strain names are B67516, B67517, B67515 and B67514, which are equivalent to the Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 mentioned in the application, respectively. Bacillus strain MDG86 and Bacillus strain MDG300 were deposited on March 14, 2014 at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999, and were given accession numbers B-50944 and B-50943, respectively. The deposits were made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The NRRL strain names are MDG86 and MDG300, which are equivalent to the Bacillus strains 86 and 300 mentioned in the application, respectively.Bacillus strain MDG 101 and Bacillus strain MDG 235 were deposited at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999 on January 4, 2016, and were assigned accession numbers B-67218 and B-67219, respectively. Bacillus strain MGL177 and Bacillus strain MGL102 were deposited at the Agricultural Research Service Culture Collection (NRRL), National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, Agricultural Research Service, USDA, 1815 North University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604-3999 on June 7, 2016, and were assigned accession numbers B-67275 and B-67276, respectively. The deposits were made under the provisions of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure. The NRRL strain names are MDG 101, MDG 235, MGL177 and MGL102, which correspond to the Bacillus strains 101, 235, 177 and 102 mentioned in the application, respectively.

[0222] Any of these strains can be administered alone or in combination in a feed composition (e.g., a complete feed comprising an animal feed admixture) or in drinking water for an animal. In one embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination in a single composition. In another embodiment, multiple strains are administered in combination in separate compositions. In an illustrative embodiment, any of these strains are isolated from growing and finishing pigs.

[0223] As used herein, a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 may be a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177. strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 (e.g., DNA fingerprints corresponding to Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177) fingerprint; corresponding to Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 enzyme activity; corresponding to Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177; corresponding to the antibiotic sensitivity or tolerance spectrum of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177; or a combination of these identifying features). In alternative embodiments, the mutation can be a natural mutation or a genetically engineered mutation.In another embodiment, a strain having all of the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177 can be obtained, for example, by culturing the strain from Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, and introducing the one or more plasmids into another bacterium (e.g., another Bacillus strain); strains), as long as the one or more plasmids contain a plasmid that provides identification of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177. Characteristics (e.g., DNA fingerprints based on DNA analysis corresponding to the DNA fingerprints of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177).

[0224] The feed composition or drinking water comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or a strain with its identification characteristics, can be given to animals for any time period that effectively causes viral inhibition or controls the harmful effects of viruses. For example, in one embodiment, a feed composition or drinking water can be provided to animals every day. In an alternative embodiment, a feed composition or drinking water can be given to animals during lactation and / or during pregnancy. The time period for giving the above-mentioned feed composition or drinking water is a non-limiting example, and it should be appreciated that any time period or schedule for giving that is determined to be effective in causing viral inhibition or controlling the harmful effects of viruses in animals, or reducing or preventing the symptoms of viral diseases, or reducing the number of viruses or a combination thereof can be used.

[0225] In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 86. In another embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a composition comprising Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 86.

[0226] In one embodiment, a commercial package is provided that includes: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0227] In another illustrative embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0228] In another embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0229] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided that comprises: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B67514).

[0230] In still another embodiment, a commercial package is provided that includes: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0231] In still another embodiment, a feed additive for animal feed is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102; (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0232] In another illustrative embodiment, an additive for animal drinking water is provided, comprising: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102; (NRRL No. B-67276) and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0233] In another aspect, an animal feed composition is provided that comprises: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275) or a strain having all the identifying characteristics of Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

[0234] In one embodiment, the feed additive for adding to the animal feed admixture to produce a complete feed composition can be mixed with the animal feed admixture, for example, with an automated micronutrient delivery system, or, for example, by manual weighing and adding to obtain any dose of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having their identifying characteristics, for administration to an animal in the form of a complete feed composition. Mixing can also be performed by any other suitable method known in the art for mixing directly fed microorganisms with animal feed admixtures to obtain a homogenous mixture. In various embodiments, mixing can be performed for any suitable period of time (e.g., about 1 to about 4 minutes). In embodiments wherein Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, are in the form of an additive for drinking water for animals, Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identifying characteristics thereof, are in the form of an additive for drinking water for animals. and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can be in the form of, for example, a powder, liquid or pill, and can be mixed with drinking water using any suitable method known in the art to obtain any dose of Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, described herein, for administration to animals in their drinking water.Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can also be fed directly to animals orally (i.e., by oral insertion) in the form of a powder, liquid or pill.

[0235] In any of the composition embodiments described herein, Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can cause an effect selected from causing viral inhibition or control of viral deleterious effects in an animal, including but not limited to reducing the number of viruses in an animal, controlling or reducing viral replication in an animal, preventing or reducing viral diseases in an animal, or preventing or reducing any symptom of a viral disease in an animal, or a combination thereof. On the other hand, viral inhibition or control of viral deleterious effects in an animal can include, for example, reducing or preventing intestinal disease in an animal or reducing or preventing pneumonia in an animal. In other embodiments of the composition embodiments described herein, E. coli virulence genes can be reduced in the animal as a result of feeding the animal a Bacillus strain, or Salmonella disease, such as Salmonella disease caused by Salmonella choleraesuis, can be reduced in the animal.

[0236] In one illustrative aspect, the feed additive, the additive for animal drinking water, or the feed composition can be in the form of a commercial package. In another illustrative embodiment, the feed additive or the additive for animal drinking water, or Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, can be in the form of a concentrate (e.g., about 1 x 10 8 About 5 x 10 9 CFU / g) or super concentrates (e.g., about 1 x 10 10 About 5 x 10 12In another embodiment, the feed additive, feed composition or additive for animal drinking water, or Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains with their identifying characteristics, can be in a dry form (e.g., powder), pellet form, liquid form, in the form of a top dressing, or in the form of a gel, or in any other suitable form in a composition in a commercial package.

[0237] In yet another embodiment, the strain in commercially packaged form can be, for example, in dry form (eg, powder or lyophilized form), in pellet form, or in liquid form.

[0238] In another illustrative embodiment, commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water or feed compositions can further include a carrier for Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains with their identification characteristics. The carrier can be selected from bran, rice husks, salt, mineral oil, dextrin (e.g., maltodextrin), whey, sugar, sucrose, limestone, yeast culture, dry starch, sodium aluminosilicate, silicon dioxide, polypropylene glycol, polysorbate 80, vegetable oil, and combinations thereof. In another embodiment, the carrier can be any suitable carrier for direct-fed microorganisms known in the art. In another embodiment, the commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition may further comprise a binder such as clay, yeast cell wall components, aluminum silicate (HSCAS), dextran or other known binders. In another embodiment, the commercial package, feed additive, additive for animal drinking water or feed composition may further comprise an inorganic / organic binder, essential oils and / or organic acids.

[0239] In still other embodiments, commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions comprising Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains with their identifying characteristics, are in containers for commercial use. In various embodiments, the container can be, for example, a bag (e.g., a 20 pound bag, a 50 pound bag, a 2 ounce bag, a 1 pound bag, or a 1 kilogram bag), a pouch, a bucket, a bottle, or a box. In illustrative aspects, containers for commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions containing Bacillus strain A12, and / or Bacillus strain 54, and / or Bacillus strain 681, and / or Bacillus strain 721, and / or Bacillus strain 300, and / or Bacillus strain 101, and / or Bacillus strain 235, and / or Bacillus strain 86, and / or Bacillus strain 102, and / or Bacillus strain 177, or strains having identification characteristics thereof, may comprise plastic, metal, foil, paper, fiber, or cardboard (e.g., plastic buckets, paper bags, foil bags, fiber buckets, etc.). Commercial packaging, feed additives, additives for animal drinking water, or feed compositions may further comprise instructions for use of one or more Bacillus strains.

[0240] The following examples provide various additional illustrative aspects of the invention described herein and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Example

[0241] Example 1

[0242] Rotavirus Analysis in Commercial Swine Facilities

[0243] To determine the effect of Provent ECL (including Bacillus strains 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275)) on the presence of rotavirus genes and associated enteric disease, rectal swabs from sows and their offspring were collected in 5 different commercial sow units and meta-analyzed to determine genetic differences before and after Provent ECL use. RNA and subsequently cDNA were obtained from all swabs and qPCR was used to determine the number of rotavirus A and rotavirus C genes. Knowing that rotavirus and E. coli may work together synergistically to cause more severe disease, E. coli virulence genes were also quantified to determine if they were affected by Provent ECL use.

[0244] Example 2

[0245] Salmonella choleraesuis / PRRSV challenge studies

[0246] A controlled study was conducted to monitor the effects of Provent ECL (including Bacillus strains 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514)) on the growth of Salmonella choleraesuis variant kusei ( S. choleraesuis var Kunzendorf ) and PRRSV (porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus) NADC20 double challenged animals. 21-day-old animals were transitioned to a standard balanced pig nursery diet and fed with or without supplementation of ProventECL during the duration of the study. Two weeks after weaning, animals were orally challenged with Salmonella choleraesuis and received additional PRRSV intranasal challenge 3 days later. The clinical signs and viremia of the animals were monitored for 17 days after the bacterial challenge. At the end of the observation period, the animals were euthanized and a complete autopsy was performed, and the presence of pathological lesions on their bodies was scored. Quantitative methods were used to determine the presence of PRRSV and Salmonella choleraesuis in selected organs and tissues. Cytokine concentrations in clinical samples (bronchoalveolar lavage fluid) obtained from subjects in the designated treatment group at the time of autopsy were measured. Cytokine levels were measured using a porcine cytokine microbead array, and cytokine levels were reported, which were adjusted to picograms of cytokines per 1 mg / ml protein in the sample.

[0247] Example 3

[0248] Rotavirus Analysis in Commercial Swine Facilities

[0249] qPCR and subsequent meta-analysis determined that the number of rotavirus C was significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in piglets whose maternal sows were fed Provent ECL ( Figure 4 In addition to reducing multiple E. coli virulence factors, sow unit A showed a significant reduction in rotavirus C in both piglets and sows (P<0.05) ( Figure 1-2 Rotavirus-related pre-weaning mortality in sow unit A was also reduced by 19% following the use of Provent ECL ( Figure 2 After implementation of Provent ECL, piglets from sow unit B had lower numbers of rotavirus A genes (P=0.051) in addition to lower numbers of many E. coli virulence genes ( Figure 3 ). In the past 12 months, both sow unit B and the sister sow farm in the same litter were affected by PRRSV. During the evaluation period, sow farm B, which consumed Provent ECL, did not have an outbreak of PRRSV, while the sister farm, which did not consume Provent ECL, had an outbreak of PRRSV again.

[0250] Example 4

[0251] Salmonella choleraesuis / PRRSV challenge studies

[0252] Feeding animals Provent ECL for 3 weeks before S. choleraesuis and PRRSV exposure reduced the severity of the disease, as shown by the reduction of overall lung pathology and fibrinous peritonitis. In addition, during co-infection with PRRS virus, animals fed with Provent ECL had reduced transmission of S. choleraesuis from the gastrointestinal tract to the respiratory tract (Table 1). The characteristics of the pneumonia type shown by several pigs subjected to dual attack were not only the presence of interstitial pneumonia involving> 50% of the lung, but also the presence of discrete lung consolidation areas that were characteristic of bronchopneumonia. In animals fed Provent ECL, the severity of bronchopneumonia caused by bacterial / viral dual co-infection was reduced by 32% (Table 1).

[0253]

[0254] Table 1. Pathological and microbiological findings observed in the challenge experiments.

[0255] Results obtained from BAL and whole blood samples showed that animals fed Provent ECL had higher concentrations of bacterial and viral pathogen recognition receptors and increased anti-inflammatory cytokines ( Figure 5A-5BThese results provide evidence for the immunomodulatory capabilities of ProventECL and help explain the reduction in symptoms seen in treated animals.

[0256] Most notably, inclusion of Provent ECL in the pig diet for 3 weeks prior to exposure to S. choleraesuis and PRRS virus reduced the level of viremia by a factor of 10 (P < 0.05), and two animals had no detectable levels of virus in their sera ( Figure 7 ).

[0257] Example 5

[0258] discuss

[0259] Based on statistical meta-analysis, rotavirus genes were reduced in piglets from commercial sow units whose maternal sows were fed Provent ECL. In a separate controlled study, Provent ECL reduced the incidence and severity of disease associated with co-infection with Salmonella choleraesuis and PRRSV, and significantly reduced the amount of PRRS virus (TCID50 / ml) in animals fed Provent ECL compared to control groups. These results provide empirical evidence that Bacillus, in addition to reducing viral genes in pig populations, also helps protect and reduce PRRSV and rotavirus-related viremia. The Bacillus strains included in ProventECL (i.e., Bacillus strains 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and 177 (NRRL No. B-67275), A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514)) assist in preventing and reducing viral illnesses either directly or indirectly.

[0260] Example 6

[0261] DNA fingerprint

[0262] DNA fingerprints of the present Bacillus strains 300, 101, 235, 86, 102, 177, A12, 54, 681 and 721 were obtained using the Ready-to-Go™ RAPD Assay Bead Kit (GE Healthcare, Chicago, IL), which is designed as a premixed, pre-dispensed reaction for RAPD analysis. DNA was extracted using the QIAGEN® Tissue and Blood Single Column Kit (QIAGEN®, Venlo, The Netherlands).

[0263] Example 7

[0264] Experimental design of ECL treatment and PRRSV-Salmonella choleraesuis co-infection

[0265] No PRRSV, PCV2, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ( Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ) and Salmonella choleraesuis were randomly assigned to the five treatment groups listed in Table 1. Group 1 was assigned 4 pigs, and the other four groups were assigned 11 pigs each.

[0266]

[0267] Following euthanasia, a complete necropsy was performed and scored for the presence of pathological lesions. Quantitative methods were used to determine the presence of S. choleraesuis in selected organs and tissues. Blood and gastrointestinal swabs were obtained and tested for various immune markers and enteric virulence genes.

[0268] Example 8

[0269] Pathological and microbiological findings observed in the main experiments

[0270] The pathological and microbiological findings observed in the main experiments are shown in Table 2 .

[0271] Table 2.

[0272]

[0273] Pathological and microbiological findings observed in the main experiments.

[0274] The results showed that the inclusion of Bacillus strains A12, 54, 681 and 721 in the diet of pigs for 3 weeks prior to exposure to S. choleraesuis reduced the severity of respiratory disease, as shown by a reduction in overall lung pathology and the extent of fibrinous peritonitis. This effect was observed in animals vaccinated with either Salmonella alone or both Salmonella and PRRSV. The number of both Salmonella and E. coli virulence genes detected in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals fed these strains was significantly lower ( Fig.14 In addition, they also reduced the spread of bacteria from the GIT to the respiratory tract during co-infection with PRRS virus. Immune activation markers were significantly different in animals fed a combination of A12 (NRRL No. B67516), 54 (NRRL No. B67517), 681 (NRRL No. B67515), and 721 (NRRL No. B67514) ( Figure 5A and B and Fig. 6A and B).

Claims

1. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed or drinking water composition, the composition being used to inhibit porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus by feeding the composition to an animal, the additive comprising Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) and Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), wherein the composition causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus inhibition in the respiratory tract of the animal.

2. Use of an additive in the preparation of a composition for feed or drinking water, the composition being used to control the harmful effects of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus in animals, the additive comprising Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) and Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944).

3. The use of claim 2, wherein the additive further comprises an isolated Bacillus strain of Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275); wherein the Bacillus strain controls the deleterious effects of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.

4. The use of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the animal is selected from the group consisting of poultry species, porcine species, caprine species, bovine species, ovine species, equine species and companion animals.

5. The use of claim 4, wherein the animal is a porcine species and the porcine species is selected from the group consisting of grower pigs, nursery pigs, sows and breeding pigs.

6. The use of any one of claims 1 to 3 and 5, wherein the composition causes porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus suppression in the respiratory tract of the animal and inhibits rotavirus A or rotavirus C.

7. The use according to claim 6, wherein the rotavirus is rotavirus C.

8. Use of an additive in the preparation of a feed or drinking water composition for inhibiting rotavirus A or rotavirus C by feeding the composition to an animal, the additive comprising Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515), Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514), Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943) and Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), wherein the composition causes a decrease in detectable rotavirus A or rotavirus C genes in the animal.

9. The use of any one of claims 1-3, 5 and 7-8, wherein the composition further comprises an antibiotic.

10. The use of any one of claims 1-3, 5 and 7-8, wherein the composition further comprises an enzyme selected from the group consisting of β-galactosidase, protease, lipase, amylase, hemicellulase, arabinoxylanase, xylanase, cellulase, NSPase, phytase and combinations thereof.

11. The use according to claim 10, wherein the enzyme is NSPase or phytase.

12. A feed additive for animal feed, said additive comprising a bacterial component, wherein said bacterial component consists of: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514).

13. An additive for animal drinking water, the additive comprising a bacterial component, wherein the bacterial component consists of: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514).

14. An animal feed composition comprising a bacterial component, wherein the bacterial component consists of: Bacillus strain 300 (NRRL No. B-50943), Bacillus strain 86 (NRRL No. B-50944), Bacillus strain A12 (NRRL No. B-67516), Bacillus strain 54 (NRRL No. B-67517), Bacillus strain 681 (NRRL No. B-67515) and Bacillus strain 721 (NRRL No. B-67514), Bacillus strain 101 (NRRL No. B-67218), Bacillus strain 235 (NRRL No. B-67219), Bacillus strain 102 (NRRL No. B-67276), and Bacillus strain 177 (NRRL No. B-67275).

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