April 3, 2008

UK launches GBP 1.5 million PCV2 vaccine research program
 

The British Pig Executive (BPEX) has announced the launching of a GBP 1.5 million (US$2.9 million) PCV2 vaccine research program on April 1, 2008.

The vaccination scheme will provide English producers with PCV2 vaccine vouchers. It is open to all pig taxpayers in England and only weaner pig farms are eligible for joint applications with a unit to which they supply pigs for finishing.

Vouchers will be supplied on a monthly basis with a one-month valid period. The first voucher will be available until the end of May for vaccine purchased in April. The vouchers will be sent to producers after the approval of their application, and producers must return it with the veterinary receipt for that month's vaccine. The receipt must clearly state the veterinarian, veterinary practise, month, vaccine used, number of doses applied and the unit involved.

The objective is to measure the effects of PCV2 vaccination of sows or piglets by unit, region and national scale. The results will enable BPEX and related organisations involved to offer better advice on the cost benefits of using circovirus vaccines.

As this is a research project, producers have to provide information on pre and post vaccination performance to BPEX in return for the vouchers. Summarised details of the previous month's breeding and feeding herd performance indicators will have to be supplied with the application for each voucher.