H1N2, H1N1 and H3N2 are the three influenza A virus subtypes of the swine influenza virus contained in Gripovac3, a new vaccine against swine influenza.

The three strains contained in the vaccine are recent and are of European origin. The real novelty of Gripovac3 is the H1N2 strain which has been found in several European countries at a variable rate of prevalence: 89 per cent of positive farms in Belgium, 54 per cent in France, 48 per cent in Spain and 41 per cent in the Netherlands.

Influenza viruses are the major pathogens involved in acute respiratory disorders, and hyperthermia in sows can cause serious reproductive problems, including abortions. Economic losses incurred by swine influenza are estimated at €28 per sow per year. Gripovac3 has demonstrated broad cross- protection against influenza strains present in Europe. The outstanding safety of Gripovac3 means that the vaccine can be used at all stages of production of sows and gilts, and also fatteners.

The vaccination schedule for sows consists of two 2-ml injections at a three-week interval for the primary vaccination, and a booster at each gestation or subsequent lactations. If the booster is done two weeks prior to farrowing, piglets will be protected via colostral immunity.

Gripovac3 received its full European centralised product licence on 14 January 2010 and will be distributed in all countries of the EMEA region in 25 or 50-dose bottles, according to the country. Progressively, it will replace Merial's current swine influenza vaccine Gripovac, which contains only H3N2 and H1N1 sub-types.

Further Reading

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