February 12, 2007

New vaccine for PCV2

Researchers from Kansas State University's College of Veterinary Medicine have developed a vaccine for porcine circovirus associated disease in swine herds.

The disease, first recognised in Kansas swine herds in November 2005, is an immunosuppressive condition associated with porcine circovirus type 2 or PCV2 .

A study on the vaccine indicated a 50-percent reduction in mortality of vaccinated pigs compared to non-vaccinated ones.

Mortality was 7 percent for vaccinated pigs compared with 17 percent for non-vaccinated pigs. Vaccinated pigs also showed an enhanced growth. On average, they were 9 kg heavier than their non-vaccinated counterparts of the same age.

The vaccine has been licensed by the USDA's Centre for Veterinary Biologics, pointed out Rowland, a virologist and associate professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology.