In-situ gelling compositions for delivering pharmacologically activesubstances to the tissues, body fluids, and mucosal surfaces of animalpatients in the form of liquids, solids and powders, comprising anionicpolysaccharides and especially low methoxyl pectins as gelling agents, methodsof preparation, and method of use of the in-situ gelling compositions for thedelivery and sustained release of a physiologically active agent, andespecially vaccine antigens, to the tissues and mucosal surfaces of an animal.