i n c e t h e 1 9 5 0 s , i m m u n o l o g y researchers have investigated the possible benefits to human health afforded by the intriguing physiologic s t a t e o f h y p e r i m m u n i t y , w h i c h i s achieved by the repeated immunization of laying hens or lactating cows against one or more antigens and more specifically against human pathogens. 1-7 The hyperimmunized hen or cow produces antibodies to the specific antigens (or pathogens) with which she has been vaccinated as well as a variety of low-molecular-weight cofactors that, in general, s u p p o r t a n d e n h a n c e t h e i m m u n e response. The hen concentrates the antibodies and immune cofactors into egg yolk for the sustenance and protection of the developing chick. The cow concent r a t e s a n t i b o d i e s a n d c o f a c t o r s i n colostrum, which is the nutrient-rich lactation product that sustains a newborn calf. Ordinarily, the egg yolk and colostrum of nonhyperimmunized hens and cows deliver high-density nutrition and confer general passive immunity to the developing chick or young calf, in the form of antibodies, to pathogens or other antigens in the mother's environment, and of lessspecific, physiologically active cofactors that support and stimulate the immune function of the young animal. The movement of antibodies and immune cofactors from the hen's serum into the egg yolk, and from the egg yolk to the developing chick, corresponds to the transfer of immunoglobulin G across the mammalian placenta, to the developing fetus, and to the subsequent transfer of antibodies and immunoregulatory molecules through colostrum. 4,8 Hyperimmunized hens and cows produce eggs and colostrum that provide concentrated sources of environmentally specific antibodies and immune-supporting cofactors that confer passive immunity on the chick, calf, or human being who consumes the eggs, colostrum, or milk. Hens and cows that are vaccinated with human pathogens produce antibodies that are specific to those human p a t h o g e n s. A s u b s t a n t i a l b o d y o f research has demonstrated that human consumption of hyperimmune eggs or hyperimmune milk can protect against the specific organism(s) against which the hen or cow was vaccinated. 9-12 In addition, the immunoregulatory cofactors secreted into hyperimmune eggs and milk offer powerful and unexpected benefits to a number of different human structures and functions, including the circulatory and immune systems, the digestive tract, and the joints. 7,11-14 The earliest research into hyperimmunity focused on transfer of passive immunity through bovine colostrum and milk. University of Minnesota (Minneapolis) researchers William E. Peterson, Ph.D., and Berry Campbell, Ph.D., published their seminal research in 1955, 3 and investigators subsequently published studies on the use of immune milk in the treatment of hayfever and rheumatoid arthritis and for disease prevention in humans and animals. 3,4,15,16