A closer look at the pigs Zoetis cares for
Zoetis discusses the common disease challenges farmers have to face and the support they give their customers.
1 April 2019
4 minute read
By: Zoetis understands the importance of establishing strong swine health programmes to prevent, treat and control disease in herds. They work every day to provide a variety of preventative and therapeutic products that contribute to the wellness of pigs and improve the efficiency and profitability of swine producers' farms.
The most common diseases that swine producers vaccinate for are swine respiratory disease caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2) and Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv). Today we will discuss Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and the solutions Zoetis offers.
Common disease challenges
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MH) is one of the most prevalent and economically significant respiratory pathogens affecting the swine industry. MH is characterised by a dry, non-productive cough, laboured breathing and pneumonia. The disease causes serious economic consequences for swine producers resulting from decreased feed efficiency, reduced average daily weight gain, and increased medication costs. In addition, MH can predispose pigs to other bacterial and viral infections and is often associated with PCV2 and PRRSv. If left untreated, co-infections of MH and other respiratory diseases can lead to higher mortality rates in a producer’s herd.
Supporting our customers
Zoetis helps veterinarians and swine producers meet the challenges of MH by offering a broad portfolio of vaccines and antimicrobial interventions. From day one of a pig’s life and all the way to market, Zoetis delivers comprehensive solutions to address each critical step in the disease cycle.
The first few weeks in the life of pigs are the most critical in terms of health protection, that’s why Zoetis developed RespiSure-ONE® and Suvaxyn Respifend® MH® One. These vaccines help reduce chronic pneumonia and the severity of MH in growing pigs and, depending on the country, may be approved for administration as soon as one day of age. Zoetis has also started the global roll-out of a new combination vaccine, Fostera® PCV MH, to help producers prevent the likelihood of pigs becoming infected with two very important diseases, MH and Porcine Circovirus Type 2. Through advanced manufacturing technology, Zoetis has combined the two most common vaccines given to growing pigs into one product, offering convenience to producers and reducing the number of injections that are given to piglets.
In some circumstances disease problems may still occur despite vaccination. To manage disease associated with MH, Zoetis has a strong portfolio of antimicrobials including DRAXXIN® Injectable Solution and LINCOMIX®Feed Medication. Draxxin is a complete treatment for swine respiratory disease in a single injectible dose and Lincomix is a medication that can be used in all feeds for pigs of all ages.
In addition to our products, we help manage the overall health of pigs through early detection and diagnostic methods. For example our Individual Pig Care programme teaches pig caregivers in the United States and other markets about the importance of looking for signs of disease in each pig. By carefully and methodically observing every pig every day, sick pigs can be spotted sooner, medicine can be used more effectively, recoveries can be quicker and more pigs are likely to reach their full market potential.
Learn More
To find out more about Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MH) and swine health solutions from Zoetis, please refer to the following references provided on the US edition of the Zoetis website.
