Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica highlights progress in PRRS treatment

Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has highlighted some of the advances made in the treatment of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in recent years.

Speaking as part of a panel of swine veterinarians and disease researchers at the 2010 World Pork Expo, Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica professional services veterinarian Jean Paul Cano said vaccines have played a key role in helping to fight the disease.

According to Mr Cano, efforts to curb the spread of the infection have been aided by the increased use of vaccines, which also help to improve pig health and performance.

He said: “Vaccine can provide protection and biologic and economic benefits when PRRS-naive pigs are placed into high prevalence areas for finishing.”

Mr Cano added that measures such as a herd closure strategy, biosecurity protocols and appropriate pig flow can also be instrumental in helping to manage the condition.

Last month, it was announced that Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica has been granted the rights to use new antigens developed by vaccines specialist Intercell for the creation of new treatments for animals.