What is Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae?

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) is one of the most significant infectious agents currently affecting global pig production. It was first identified and described in 1965 as the causal agent of enzootic pneumonia of swine (EP).

M. hyo belongs to a class of the smallest organisms capable of independent reproduction and has a special affinity for lung tissue. So far, it has only been detected in pigs.  M. hyo induces respiratory diseases in pigs and prior to the onset of routine vaccination, most pigs showed lung damage due to this agent at slaughter.

Vaccination against mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is now an integral part of many pig production units so as to restrict the economic consequences of the disease.