January 18, 2008

To vaccinate against PCVAD, start with piglet
 

To Dr Françoise Cardinal, piglet vaccines have been the most effective defence against porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD).

Dr Cardinal believes that the introduction of new vaccines combined with improved management practises has been very effective in controlling the disease.

In his experience, piglet vaccines have been more effective than the sow vaccine, Dr Cardinal said. He emphasises the importance of maintaining good biosecurity measures as to keep PCVAD and other diseases under control.

PCVAD is triggered by porcine circovirus type 2 and can be characterised by a wide variety of clinical signs from respiratory symptoms to reproductive failure to reduced productivity and even death.

There are currently three vaccines available in Canada. Two are administered to piglets and one is administered to the sow. An additional piglet vaccine is expected to be available on the market soon.