Merial Launches Swine Influenza Kit for Vets

UK - Merial Animal Health has introduced a diagnostic kit to allow pig vets in the field to identify the presence of the swine influenza virus (SIV). This follows recent research on English herds which revealed that swine influenza may be more prevalent than previously thought.

3 December 2010

3 minute read

Europe

The Merial Flu-Kit is a diagnosis tool box that contains everything a pig vet needs to detect the presence of SIV. This includes: a swine influenza clinical symptom reminder card, a thermometer, a Synbiotics Flu DETECT^TM Swine diagnostic kit, nasal swabs for virus isolation and instructions for use.

The Synbiotics Flu DETECT Swine diagnostic kit allows pig vets to detect the presence of SIV in a pig with fever. However, it does not differentiate between the specific strains. This can only be done by supplying a nasal swab to a laboratory which can carry out a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test.

The main strains currently prevalent in Europe are H1N2, H1N1 and H3N2. Merial Animal Health recently launched its Gripovac®3 swine influenza vaccine which protects against these three strains in the UK.

Ricardo Neto, Merial's Veterinary Advisor said: "Swine influenza may not be recognised as having much effect on the herd. This is partly due to the fact that diagnostic work is needed to confirm that the swine influenza virus is involved in the problems present on the farm, and that on-farm diagnosis of this is almost impossible. This kit will make it a little easier for practitioners to be more confident about the contribution of SI to the problems being seen. Swine influenza has a significant economic effect and in some cases can be disastrous.

"It causes fever, apathy, anorexia and respiratory signs such as dyspnoea and sneezing, which affect both welfare and productivity. In sows it can cause returns, increased abortion rate, increased number of still born piglets, and decrease milk production. Identifying the presence of swine influenza virus in the herd at an early stage could help to reduce preventable losses and increase profitability."

Gripovac-3 has demonstrated broad cross-protection against influenza strains present in Europe. The excellent safety profile of Gripovac-3 means the vaccine can be used at all stages of production of sows and gilts, including pregnant and lactating sows and also the feeding herd.

Vets who would like to find out more about this new diagnostic kit should contact Merial on 0800592699.