P.D. Tassis

Clinical evaluation of intradermal vaccination against porcine enzootic pneumonia (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae)

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of single-dose intradermal vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae on a commercial swine unit. A total of 1051 healthy suckling piglets of 28±3 days of age were randomly assigned to one of three experimental groups: (a) intradermal: 346 piglets vaccinated intradermally (Porcilis M Hyo ID Once, Intervet SPAH), (b) intramuscular : 351 piglets vaccinated intramuscularly (Porcilis M1 Intervet SPAH) and (c) controls: 354 piglets injected with a placebo (adjuvant only). Performance parameters such as average daily weight gain (ADG), as well as health parameters and lung lesion scores were monitored from four weeks of age until slaughter. The improvement in ADG over the controls, during the finishing phase, was 27 g/day for the intradermal group and 17 g/day for the intramuscular group. Both intradermal and intramuscular vaccinations were effective in reducing clinical signs and lung lesions caused by M hyopneumoniae. Compared with the controls, approximately 10.4 per cent fewer clinical cases were diagnosed in the intradermal group, and 6 per cent fewer in the intramuscular group, during the finishing period. In conclusion, performance results were better in the vaccinated groups than in the control group, while intradermal vaccination afforded greater protection than intramuscular vaccination, especially with regard to morbidity, lung lesion and pleuritis scores.

A feed additive containing Bacillus toyonensis (Toyocerin ® ) protects against enteric pathogens in postweaning piglets

This study evaluated the efficacy of a probiotic containing Bacillus toyonensis spores (Toyocerin®) in postweaning piglets against enteric pathogens.

Effects of early vaccination with a gonadotropin releasing factor analog-diphtheria toxoid conjugate on boar taint and growth performance of male pigs1

The aim of this study was to evaluate safety (in terms of detecting possible adverse clinical effects attributable to vaccination), efficacy, and effects on growth performance of a gonadotropin releasing factor analog-diphtheria toxoid conjugate (commercially distributed as Improvac; Zoetis, Zaventem, Belgium) in male pigs raised in a commercial Greek farm. A total of 1,230 male pigs was enrolled in 16 weekly batches and allocated to 3 groups: barrows (castrated on the next day after birth [study Day 0]), pigs vaccinated with the above-mentioned product, and intact boars. Vaccinated pigs were injected subcutaneously with 2 mL of the anti-gonadotropin releasing factor (GnRF) vaccine at 9 to 11 wk of age (60-78 d) and 15 to 17 wk of age (102-120 d) and slaughtered at 22 to 25 wk of age (152-176 d). No clinical abnormalities or adverse events attributable to vaccination occurred. Mean BW of vaccinated pigs was 6% greater compared with barrows at slaughter (P < 0.0001). The vaccinated pigs had greater ADG than barrows from castration to slaughter (8%). In detail, a lower ADG from first to second vaccination (-12%; P < 0.0001) and a 27% greater ADG from second vaccination to slaughter (P < 0.0001) were observed. The ADG of vaccinated pigs and intact boars was not significantly different throughout the study, except from first to second vaccination (boars greater; P = 0.0059) and second vaccination to slaughter (vaccinates greater; P = 0.0390). Feed conversion ratio of barrows was 11 and 8% greater compared with vaccinated pigs (P = 0.0005) and boars (P = 0.0062) from first to second vaccination but was 23 to 26% lower compared with vaccinated pigs (P < 0.0001) and intact boars (P < 0.0001) from first vaccination to slaughter and 7 to 9.5% lower from the second vaccination to slaughter (P = 0.0029 and P = 0.0003 for vaccinates and intact boars, respectively). At slaughter, the belly fat androstenone concentration of all vaccinated pigs and 64% of intact boars was below 200 ng/g. Belly fat skatole concentration was below 20 ng/g in samples from all groups. In conclusion, vaccination against GnRF using the GnRF analog-diphtheria toxoid conjugate tested did not induce adverse clinical effects, proved effective, and compared with physical castration, resulted in greater BW at slaughter and improved ADG and feed conversion ratio from first vaccination to slaughter.

Greek experience of the use of phytogenic feed additives in organic pig farming

1 Clinic of Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Thessaly, 43100, Karditsa, Greece. 2 Farm Animal Clinic, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. 3 Department of Animal Production, Technological Educational Institute of Larissa, Greece. 4 Research Associate Technical Manager, PROVET, Vrago, Aspropyrgos, Attica Greece. 5 Department of Obstetrics and Reproduction, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Thessaly, Greece.

Antimicrobial resistance and residues in the EU: current situation and possible countermeasures, emphasis on Campylobacter and Salmonella

This review gives an overview on the prevalence of antimicrobial resistance in the food chain in the European Union. The main emphasis is on two important food pathogens, Campylobacter spp. and Salmonella spp. Furthermore, antibiotic residues reported in food commodities in the EU during 2008-2012, as well as the current legal framework regarding antibiotic use in the EU are discussed. In addition, the review also presents alternatives for the antibiotic treatment of food of animal origin.