MSD Animal Health has launched the first intramuscular pig vaccine to control Lawsonia intracellularis, the bacteria which causes Ileitis, allowing every pig to be protected from this widespread disease.

The first of its kind, PORCILIS LAWSONIA provides protection against the bacteria, which is a hidden enemy on many finishing farms throughout the UK, and can affect weight gains, feed conversion ratios (FCR) and lead to increased mortality.

Rubén Del Pozo Sacristán, technical manager for pigs at MSD Animal Health, explains that PORCILIS LAWSONIA allows every treated animal to be protected against the bacteria, from seven weeks of age, if piglets are vaccinated at the earlier treatment time of three weeks.

“Lawsonia intracellularis is present on most UK farms and can hamper a farm’s true potential as it spreads rapidly in faeces and on people or rodents, but symptoms can be hard to identify, as they’re often similar to many other diseases.

“Acute forms are often noticeable with symptoms such as diarrhoea or an increase in mortality, but the subclinical form, which is most common, can be hard to identify. Diarrhoea is not always present and often indicators are an increase in FCR and a reduction in weight gain leading to variation in pig performance, but this is similar to many other health issues,” he adds.

“Administering an intramuscular vaccination will ensure every animal receives the correct dose, compared to other administrative routes. PORCILIS LAWSONIA can help reduce the clinical signs, production losses and mortality caused by Ileitis.”

For more information on PORCILIS LAWSONIA, contact your vet or refer to the SPC sheet.