A method of protecting an animal from infections with pathogens originating from Yersinia comprising administering an isolated or recombinant YscF protein to the animal is disclosed. The isolated or recombinant YscF protein may be administered as a vaccine. An isolated or recombinant YscF protein capable of conferring protection to an animal against a pathogen of a Yersinia origin is further disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the isolated or recombinant YscF protein are also disclosed. In other embodiments, antibodies generated against the isolated or recombinant YscF protein capable of conferring protection to an animal against a pathogen or a Yersinia origin and uses of the antibodies are described.