The effect of vaccination against Mycoplasma hypopneumoniae in pig herds with a continuous production system

An inactivated Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccine was evaluated in five pig herds clinically infected with enzootic pneumonia and practising a continuous production system in the growing/finishing unit. In each herd, a vaccinated and control group of approximately 47 pigs each were individually monitored from birth until slaughter. Vaccinated pigs received the first dose at about 1 week of age and the second approximately 3 weeks later. During all production stages, an equal number of vaccinated and control pigs was present in the same pen. Both groups were compared with respect to zootechnical parameters (major variables) and by means of serological, pathological, and bacteriological parameters (ancillary variables). Daily weight gain was improved by 14 gr/day during the period from 8 days of age until slaughter (P = 0.0486) and by 25 gr/day during the growing/finishing period (P = 0.0067). Mortality rate, and the costs for curative medication were not significantly improved by vaccination. The results of the ancillary variables are presented and discussed.