Merial launches PCV2 vaccine

In an attempt to reduce the annual cost to the pig industry of £20m a year, Merial Animal Health has launched CIRCOVAC, the UK’s first vaccine for PCV2.

This will provide pig producers with a chance to return their herds to the health status they enjoyed before post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and other PCV2-related diseases, says Merial’s Andrew Buglass.

“Administered to the sow or gilt, it endows piglets with an effective and specific passive protection against PCV2 infection through colostrum uptake.”

Vaccination has been proven to reduce incidence of the diseases associated with PCV2, such as respiratory and digestive disorders.

Merial puts the economical benefit of vaccination at between £55 and £80 a sow a year.