Intrauterine infection with M. hyo is not possible, nor will vaccinating the sow convey immunity to the piglets. All piglets are M. hyo-negative at birth. Sow vaccination will only provide protection for the piglets in so far as they will receive more maternal antibodies in the colostrum. New research indicates that vaccination shortly after birth is not necessary: firstly because the newborn piglets will be effectively protected by maternal antibodies, and secondly because the earliest point in time they can develop a relevant infection with M. hyo is at the end of the nursery phase. More... |
