Elanco has increased the pack size of its Coliprotec vaccine, which protects piglets against the F4 and F18 strains of E. Coli that lead to post weaning diarrhoea (PWD), to treat 200 piglets.

Jack Fellows, Elanco swine sales leader, said: "With the potential zinc oxide restrictions coming into place next year, it’s crucial that vets work with their farmers to start trialling alternative PWD prevention strategies now, while the use of zinc is still permitted.

“Keeping PWD at bay going forward will require a multifaceted approach to piglet management. Gradually reducing the level of zinc oxide, while simultaneously incorporating alternative preventive techniques, will reduce the likelihood of problems arising during this transition.

“It’s far more convenient to have the vaccine in a 200 head dose, rather than the current pack size that offers 50 treatments. This will greatly cut down the time required to dilute and stabilise multiple individual packs, while helping to minimise any margin of error during administration."

Research has shown over 90% of farmers1 would head to their vet as the first port of call when it comes to advice on treating PWD.

“It’s crucial that vets are aware of all the preventive tools and options for managing the disease as over half of farmers surveyed2 also said they would treat PWD with antibiotics, which is obviously something we’re trying to steer away from as an industry, and why vaccines play such an important role going forwards.

“The Coliprotec vaccine is proven to prevent against these issues, delivering healthy pigs that reach a heavier market weight up to 7 days earlier3, while substantially reducing the in-nursery use of antibiotic treatments."

To mark the launch of the new 200 dose pack size, Elanco is offering veterinary practices the chance to buy five packs for the price of four, a total of 1000 doses, through their wholesaler.

For more information, contact Jack Fellows at jack_michael.fellows@elancoah.com or call 07771 798157.

References

  1. Farmers Weekly Elanco PWD research
  2. Farmers Weekly Elanco PWD research
  3. Vangroenweghe, F. et al., 2018. Proceedings of the 10th ESPHM: 252.

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