The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted a conditional license to Zoetis Inc. for a vaccine to help fight porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDv) in pigs.
The two-dose inactivated vaccine, for use in healthy pregnant sows and gilts, is designed to help them develop antibodies that can be transmitted to their newborn piglets. Zoetis anticipates the vaccine will be available to veterinarians and pork producers later in September, reports Morning AgClips.
The vaccine is to be given to sows or gilts prior to farrowing. Two doses given three weeks apart are recommended, with the second dose given two weeks pre-farrowing. Previously vaccinated sows should receive a single dose given two weeks before farrowing.
“From (pig) death loss to employee morale, we know the impact PEDv has had on the swine industry over the past 15 months,” said Rick Swalla, DVM, Pork Technical Services, Zoetis. “We look forward to bringing solutions to and working with veterinarians and producers to help combat this disease.”