An update on the impact of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae eradication

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), the primary causative agent of Enzootic Pneumonia (EP), is widely recognised as the most significant non-viral respiratory disease in swine. The clinical signs of this disease include persistent coughing, fever, pneumonia, and an increased susceptibility to other respiratory pathogens. Secondary bacterial infection may result in more severe disease.

The economic implications of M. hyo are considerable, as infection leads to reduced growth rates and diminished production efficiency. Given its global distribution, eradicating the disease offers significant benefits to pig health and on-farm productivity as  well as to the industry as a whole. Previous studies have shown that tylvalosin and tulathromycin, both macrolide antibiotics, have good activity against M. hyo.1,2  The current study aimed to assess changes in on-farm production parameters after M. hyo eradication.

Study: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae eradication: analysis of productive parameters³

During summer 2021, an M. hyo eradication program was conducted on a 3000-sow farm (DanBred genetics) in Spain. Before the study commenced, with the exception of nursing piglets, animals younger than nine months of age were removed from the unit.

Sentinel sows were analysed two and four months after the  M. hyo elimination program to assess the success of the program.  Additionally, the following parameters were measured and compared with pre-eradication values:

• Feed conversion rate (FCR)
• Average daily gain (ADG)
• Mortality during fattening period
• Medication cost per pig

Results

Significant differences were observed in medication costs (p<0.001), with the results of the study showing a 56 percent reduction. Additionally, there was a significant reduction in percentage mortality during the fattening period (p=0.014). No significant differences were observed in FCR and ADG.³

Study significance

The reduction in medication costs seen is equivalent to 1.64 euros per sold pig. Both this reduction and the decrease in mortality rates are probably attributable not only to the direct impact of M. hyo, but also to a decrease in associated secondary respiratory pathologies.

Antibiotic stewardship and tylvalosin

Antibiotics play a crucial role in both human and animal health. M. hyo elimination allows for a reduction of the antimicrobials used in swine production. Tylvalosin and tulathromycin (EMA category C antibiotics4) were used in the study, aligning with the principles of antibiotic stewardship:

• There are no EMA group D antibiotics effective against Mycoplasma spp.
• Tylvalosin and tulathromycin have comparatively lower minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC)
• Tylvalosin and tulathromycin have proven efficacy against respiratory pathogens, including M. hyo.
• Tylvalosin and tulathromycin have additional immunomodulatory benefits.
• Tylvalosin and tulathromycin are developed exclusively for veterinary use.

To discuss the management of porcine respiratory disease,  or to learn more about the responsible use of tylvalosin,  contact our technical services team by emailing  enquiries@ecoanimalhealth.com 

References

1. López Rodríguez, A., et al. (2020 ) Evaluation of the clinical efficacy of a water soluble formulation of tylvalosin in the control of enzootic pneumonia associated with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Pasteurella multocida in pigs. Porcine Health Manag. 6(1):39
2. McKelvie, J., et al. (2005) Evaluation of tulathromycin for the treatment of pneumonia following experimental infection of swine with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Vet Ther. 6(2):197-202
3. Gayan, J., Sanchez, P., Lasa, C. Hernandez, J-I. & Casal, N. (2024) M. hyo eradication: analysis of productive parameters. IPVS-ESPHM .
4. European Medicines Agency (2020) Categorisation of antibiotics used in animals promotes responsible use to protect public and animal health