MSD Animal Health receives EU approval for swine vaccine

MSD Animal Health's new single-shot vaccine for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M Hyo) infection in pigs has been granted marketing authorisation in the European Union (EU).

Porcilis M Hyo ID Once is the first vaccine of its type to be approved for use as an intradermal administration, as the existing two-shot Porcilis M Hyo product is currently available as an intramuscular administration.

According to the company, the new vaccine "adds flexibility and convenience in use to the current dosage scheme that has been available in Europe since 2004".

Following the regulatory approval, Porcilis M Hyo ID Once will be available for use in all EU member states plus Iceland and Norway.

However, MSD Animal Health acknowledged that the introduction of the vaccine to individual markets will depend on the receipt of licences from national regulators.

M Hyo is a widespread problem for pig farmers because the infection is known to cause enzootic pneumonia, which can be complicated by bacterial infections and lead to other health issues.