January 9, 2007

Kansas University researchers hopeful new PCV2 vaccine would work

Scientists at Kansas University are hopeful that they would find a vaccine to Porcine Circovirus-2 (PCV2) , a disease threatening the US hog industry.

Although research is still in its early stages, preliminary trials look promising, said Lisa Tokach, an Abilene, Kansas-based veterinarian.

The studies are expected to be completed in about a month.

According to Raymond Rowland, PhD, a virologist at Kansas State, different strains of PVC2 have now been identified, one of them causing high rates of mortality.

The research is joint collaboration between US pig producers, veterinarians and scientists.

The PCV2 outbreaks were first discovered in November 2005 and caused some producers to lose about 20 percent of their finishing herd.

It is estimated that every US pig herd is 'infected' with PCV Associated Disease (PCVAD) in some way.

PCVAD attacks the lymph node system, leaving the pig defenseless against other pathogens.

Kansas State received about US$70,000 in grants from the National Pork Board for the project.