One of the longest-standing diseases in the swine industry is porcine circovirus (PCV2), and as the swine industry has evolved, so has this disease. Recent research has shown that there are now strains and genotypes that are more virulent and, therefore, harder to treat. Dr. Jana Morgan, senior key account veterinarian at Boehringer Ingelheim, said there have been several prominent strains.
Currently, the most common strain is PCV2d. Dr. Morgan said this strain is a bit tougher on infected pigs.
Last year, Boehringer Ingelheim conducted extensive research into the evolution of PCV2 and its strains and genotypes. Dr. Morgan said a vast majority of the cases they observed were PCV2d.
Dr. Morgan said producers need to have a whole-herd plan that takes into account the strains that are present in their pigs.
Dr. Morgan said vaccination is still key to preventing infections of PCV2, and Boehringer Ingelheim offers a vaccine that protects against both the PCV2a and PCV2d strains.
For more information, visit bi-animalhealth.com.
