Vaccine innovation helps swine producers stay ahead of PCV2

Jan 23, 2023

Since emerging as a major pathogen 20 years ago, porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has become a fact of life for swine producers. “Virtually every farm is infected,” says Dr. James “Jamie” Lehman, DVM, MS, swine technical services veterinarian for Merck Animal Health. “It’s just a challenge of managing your immunity both in the sow herd and among your piglets.”

A large part of Dr. Lehman’s job is working with producers and veterinarians to troubleshoot PCV2 health problems. He sees pigs with PCV2 infections exhibiting poor growth rates, lethargy and skin lesions.1 Understanding the dynamics of each herd helps Merck Animal Health recommend PCV2 vaccine protocols that create the most positive outcome.

“We support customers with diagnostic plans and herd visits as needed, getting to know the operation and help plan the investigation.” Dr. Lehman says. “Every case is different, depending on the age of pig affected.”

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Video: What It Takes to Stop African Swine Fever - Dr. Jishu Shi

In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, Dr. Jishu Shi, Professor of Vaccine Immunology at Kansas State University, discusses African swine fever prevention and vaccine development. He explains why ASF differs from classical swine fever and swine influenza, how the disease threatens trade and pork production, why immunization safety remains a critical hurdle, and what producers can do now to reduce the risk of introduction. Listen now on all major platforms!

"Before a safe and efficacious vaccine for ASF can be commercialized, what we really have is prevention."

Meet the guest: Dr. Jishu Shi is Professor of Vaccine Immunology and the Dr. Wayne & Hilda Appleton Endowed Professor at Kansas State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He directs the Center on Biologics Development and Evaluation and the U.S.-China Center for Animal Health. A veterinarian and vaccine immunologist, Dr. Shi has focused on vaccines for pigs and has worked on African swine fever vaccine development, control, diagnostics, and international training since 2018. Learn more from Dr. Jishu Shi on The Swine it Podcast Show Canada, available on all major platforms.