Based on this opinion, it will be possible to dissolve the freeze-dried fraction of Porcilis PRRS in Porcilis M Hyo and administer the mixed vaccines as one single injection within one hour after reconstitution.

The efficacy and safety of this simultaneous administration is supported by the results from vaccine challenge studies. One of these controlled laboratory studies was recently published in Veterinary Record. In laboratory trials and field trials, there were no differences between the different vaccinated (either single or simultaneous injection) groups with respect to lung lesion scores or viraemia. The recommended vaccination scheme for finishing pigs with the mixed products is that the first administration of Porcilis M Hyo is to be given from one week of age followed by the administration of Porcilis PRRS reconstituted in Porcilis M Hyo from four weeks of age.

“The development and subsequent approval of a vaccination strategy using a live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) vaccine and an inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M Hyo) vaccine in one injection without compromising efficacy or safety of either vaccine represents an innovation in the field of swine vaccines," said Alex Eggen, DVM and Technical Lead for swine at Intervet/Schering-Plough Animal Health. “Simultaneous use of these vaccines is expected to significantly improve convenience for swine veterinarians, resulting in more efficient animal husbandry. As a consequence, simultaneous use of these vaccines is also expected to result in lower costs for the farmer. Moreover, the reduction of the number of animal interventions and injections is also expected to reduce stress and therefore may lead to an overall improvement in animal welfare”, he added.

Infection of pigs with PRRS virus and M. hyo is a concern in the pig industry as these infections cause significant morbidity and mortality. PRRS virus infection is characterised by reproductive failure in breeding pigs, pre-weaning mortality, and respiratory disease in younger pigs. Infection with M. hyo leads to pathologic lung lesions. Mixed infections occur frequently and interact with each other in a complicated way, resulting in potentiation of symptoms and further growth reduction. The economic losses of PRRS virus and M. hyo infections for the pig industry are estimated to be in excess of more than €1 billion per year.

Reference

Drexler C.S., Witvliet M.H., Raes M., Laar M. van de, Eggen A.A.S. and Thacker E.L. 201. Efficacy of combined porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccination in piglets. Veterinary Record, 2010, 166:70-74

Further Reading

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Find out more information on porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome (PRRS) by clicking here.