All available vaccines in the European and North-American market are based on PCV2a genotype, while the most prevalent ones are PCV2b and PCV2d ones. Although significant level of cross-protection among these three genotypes has been demonstrated, it would be interesting to assess if vaccine efficiency would be equivalent in front of all these different genotypes.

Virulence and infectivity differences between strains are notorious. Moreover, the new virus is not controlled with vaccines developed from classical strains and may yield false positives in some diagnostic tests.

We got a call to visit a fattening farm where 7-week-old piglets presented meningitis and diarrhoea after weaning, with a mortality rate of 5% three weeks after weaning.

At least 25% of the pigs from 2 to 3 weeks old were reported to be lame, some so severe that they lay in the arcs shaking and unable to stand.

Any contact between fattening pigs of different age during restocking of compartments increased the risk.

It seems we have a new virus able to produce vesicular disease in pig populations.

The immune status of farms is quite possibly different from the one they had before piglets mass vaccinations.

Due to the fact that no known enteropathogen was found in clinically relevant amounts, importance of massive Blastocystis sp. infestation was counted as significant in this case.

Despite not having a consistent post-vaccination serological reaction, vaccinated animals behave differently from unvaccinated animals under field conditions.The article explains why vaccines offer protection.

Effect of modified-live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus vaccine on the shedding of wild-type virus from an infected population of growing pigs.

After two weeks of quarantine, gilts started limping. Treatment with amoxycillins did not help, only treatment with high doses (10 mg/kg) of macrolides and spectinomycines brought a solution.

After 24 years of experience we still don't have a control plan agreed upon and accepted by all our technical community. Why?

The accuracy and security provided by the combination of samples of weaned pigs and piglets at birth, either stillborn or live piglets, help us make a decision that will be crucial in any eradication plan.

An erythema multiforme (EM) was noticed in the majority (90%) of breeding stock, associated with respiratory problems and without mortality.

The classification system for PRRSV status of herds is based upon a set of definitions reflecting the biology and ecology of PRRSV.

A series of unsuccessful measures are taken until the problem is finally solved.

This article deals with the factors to be considered for deciding the optimal time of vaccination against PCV2  and shows the results of a study that evaluates the efficacy of different vaccination programs in PCV2 subclinically infected piglets.

The article suggests measuring external risks in order to compare swine farms based on a numerical figure, and thus initiate corrective measures to improve and numerically verify the improvements achieved.

This article describes a new syndrome in pigs that causes external and internal birth defects, especially in the liver and heart.

This type of investment may not be crazy when it comes to protecting farms with high genetic value (others are dependent on) or insemination centres.

Diagnosis in oral fluids is indicated for the control of replacements on arrival and after the adaptation process, and of the different production batches, especially risk subpopulations such as animals with a slow growth rate.

Flies are not usually seen as a real risk of infection between farms unless we're talking about very high-density areas. However, flies can travel long distances if captured when collecting carcasses.

Recently, PCV2 has been suggested as a pathogen able to induce diarrhoea in pigs, and PCV2-enteric disease (PCV2-ED) as a separate entity within porcine circovirus diseases (PCVDs) has been proposed.

Biosecurity measures for visitors should be implemented in all farms without exception, and hand washing with soap and subsequent disinfection should be compulsory in those farms where showering is not.

How can we tell whether a transport vehicle is clean by just taking a glimpse?

We concluded an Edema disease episode, which is extremely unusual at this age.

Enric Marco tells us that of late, it is relatively common to see fattening pigs in their final phase exhibiting respiratory symptoms that respond poorly to antibiotic treatments. In these cases, we usually think of PRRS virus; however raising the possibility of a mixed viral infection is less frequent...

PRRSV favours the appearance of secondary infections like the one caused by S. suis  due to the impairment of the alveolar macrophages cleaning functions.

Carcasses showed a good body condition and a pronounced cyanosis in the area of the ventral abdomen and the ventral throat.

Surrounding holdings with high hedge fences reduces the risk of airborne transmission.