July 22, 2024

 

Boehringer Ingelheim unveils PCV2 Decision Tree for improved swine disease management

Boehringer Ingelheim has launched the PCV2 Decision Tree to aid producers and veterinarians in making informed decisions regarding porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) management strategies, Farm Journal's Pork reported.

 

The free digital tool guides users through a series of questions to identify potential problem areas, understand a herd's unique disease situation, and generate a personalised protocol recommendation, according to a company release.

 

"Porcine circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) is one of the most devastating and economically significant viruses affecting swine populations," Boehringer Ingelheim stated.

 

While vaccination has reduced the severity of PCVAD, numerous factors need consideration when assessing the efficacy of an overall management programme, from vaccination timing to the presence of co-infections.

 

"For producers whose diagnostic monitoring confirms PCVAD, or where herds are struggling with PCV2d strains, the PCV2 Decision Tree may help uncover areas of improvement," the company added.

 

John Waddell, DVM, director of key account veterinarians at Boehringer Ingelheim, explained that PCV2d is the predominant strain circulating in U.S. swine herds today. "Producers are contending with a much more complicated disease landscape than they were 15 years ago, when the first PCV2 vaccine came to the market," he said. "Boehringer launched the first commercially available PCV2d vaccine, and we continue to develop new tools, like the PCV2 Decision Tree, to help producers and veterinarians ensure they are getting the most out of their PCVAD management programs."

 

The PCV2 Decision Tree walks users through various questions to provide a comprehensive picture of PCV2 in their barns. The tool is customizable to specific needs, such as vaccinating gilts and sows, piglets, or the entire herd. Users can explore questions regarding clinical signs and co-infections in their herd.

 

After completing a short round of multiple-choice questions, the PCV2 Decision Tree generates a recommended protocol, including health factors to evaluate before making any changes.

 

Co-infections are especially important when improving management programs, the company pointed out.

 

Recent research from Boehringer Ingelheim's Dynamic Pig Health platform evaluated the effects of PCV2, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), and Lawsonia intracellularis co-infection on mortality. Among PRRSV-infected swine, significant interaction between Lawsonia and PCV2 was found to impact mortality.

 

"When it comes to PCV2, one of the greatest tools we have outside of vaccination and biosecurity is knowledge," Waddell said. "Whether or not a producer or their veterinarian chooses to implement changes to their current protocol based on the recommendations is up to them, but we hope they can use the PCV2 Decision Tree as another tool in their toolbox to gain a better understanding of the unique disease challenges in their operation and improve their overall PCVAD management approach."

 

-      Farm Journal's Pork