Dr. Luis R. Fernandez, senior product manager for Schering-Plough, says M+Rhusigen is the industry’s first vaccine to offer the powerful combination of season- long efficacy, safety, and protection against mortality.

“M+Rhusigen is an advanced product providing a number of industry firsts in the control of both Erysipelas and Mycoplasma Pneumonia in swine,” Dr. Fernandez said. “The advancements we have built into this vaccine will set new standards in the industry’s effort to control Erysipelas.”

Studies Prove Effectiveness of M+Rhusigen

During a controlled challenge study, Dr. Fernandez noted, 20 pigs were vaccinated twice intramuscularly with two milliliters of M+Rhusigen, the first at three weeks of age, and the second 21 days later. The study also included a control group of nine pigs that were not vaccinated.

Both groups were then challenged aggressively with E. rhusiopathiae (the bacteria which causes Erysipelas) at 22 to 23 weeks of age and observed for seven days. Trial results showed the following benefits of the vaccine:

• 87% protection against mortality. Of the 20 vaccinated pigs, only two died after being challenged with Erysipelas, compared to seven of nine pigs in the control group. Additionally, vaccinated pigs demonstrated significantly lower clinical signs of Erysipelas, which can include loss of appetite, depression, labored breathing, lameness and hyperemia.
• High rates of immunity throughout the growing period. Pigs vaccinated with M+Rhusigen had significantly higher serum antibody titers when measured at 42 and 132 days post initial vaccination. Dr. Fernandez said this protection is delivered via the highly purified S-PX protein protective antigen, a powerful technology that ensures pigs have higher rates of immunity to E. rhusiopathiae throughout their growing cycle.
• Proven Mycoplasma Pneumonia protection. M+Rhusigen is formulated with M+Pac®, Schering-Plough’s field-proven Mycoplasma Pneumonia bacterin that delivers protection for up to six months against mycoplasma. In a separate research study to test the new vaccine’s effectiveness against Mycoplasma Pneumonia, 20 M. hyo-negative pigs were vaccinated with either M+Rhusigen or M+Pac. Results showed that M. hyo titers obtained from both groups of pigs were equivalent 14 days after the second vaccination.
• Excellent safety and ease of use. M+Rhusigen contains Schering-Plough’s proprietary Emunade® adjuvant, which ensures a good immune response to the vaccination and fewer overall reactions or antagonism. Emunade also allows for excellent syringeability, making it easy to administer, Dr. Fernandez noted.