July 31, 2007

EU approves Pfizer's injectable antibiotic for respiratory pig diseases

The EU has approved Pfizer's injectable antibiotic that would reduce the impact of swine respiratory disease on pig health and performance.

This would be the first time an injectable product, Draxxin can be used as a preventative medication as well as for the treatment of respiratory infections in pigs.

The decision means that groups of pigs can be treated at a period when they are most at risk of infection.

Up to now, group therapy has relied on feed or water medication. However, sick pigs do not eat or drink normally, and therefore it was very difficult to monitor their drug dosage.

Many farms experience outbreaks of respiratory disease at key points in the production cycle. Pigs are at their most vulnerable stages when they are stressed after moving and handling, following weaning and in the early fattening period, explained Nigel Lodge, technical services manager at Pfizer Animal Health.

Pfizer said a single dose provides up to 15 days' antibiotic activity, which will cover the pigs through the risk period. Based on studies it conducted, treated pigs needed less re-treatment, grew 25 grammes more per day and went to slaughter nine days earlier than those given in-feed treatment.