PCV2 Vaccine Voucher Scheme Takes Off

The project was launched just over two months ago to tackle rapidly a major industry health problem and uptake has been little short of phenomenal with 391 units so far taking part.

BPEX has put aside £1.5million to finance the research project and at the current scale it will only last 8 to 9 months so advice to producers is to apply now because once it's gone, it's gone.

BPEX Director of Pig Industry Development Mark Wilson said: "I have been amazed at the speed with which this project has taken off.

"The wasting diseases PMWS and PDNS continue to be major problems for the industry costing the British producer dear.

"The new PCV2 vaccines are proving extremely effective delivering great improvements in physical performance.

"Though the money is going fast, there is still time for producers to take part in the project.

"In tackling this challenge the aim is to build a more sustainable and competitive industry for the future."

The objective of this research project is to measure the effects of PCV2 vaccination of sows or piglets on herd health, welfare, mortality and physical performance by unit, region and on a national scale.

As a research project, in return for providing vouchers, producers are providing BPEX with summary details of the previous month's breeding and feeding herd key performance.

BPEX, veterinary practices and the pharmaceutical companies involved will then be able to offer clear scientifically-based advice on the cost benefits of using PCV vaccines.

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