Provides sustainable protection

Vaccination provides a sustainable solution to protect pigs against Ileitis. It has proven its efficacy and safety already in more than 500 million pigs around the globe. Some rules will help you to achieve what you can expect from successful vaccination.

Confirm diagnosis and set expectations right Before vaccination is implemented presence of the disease needs to be confirmed by a thorough diagnostic investigation. Vaccination is supposed to protect pigs against diarrhea caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, but it does not protect against diarrhea caused by other pathogens. Vaccination is supposed to improve the health situation, but it does not eliminate Lawsonia infection from a farm.

Choose the right vaccine and time it correctly As the causative agent, Lawsonia intracellularis, is an intracellular enteric pathogen local and cellular immune responses are relevant for protection against it. Consequently, a modified live vaccine that can be applied orally is the most promising approach for immunizing pigs. Vaccination should take place at least 3 weeks before relevant infection or 6 weeks before the onset of clinical signs.

Avoid concurrent use of antibiotics With any live bacterial vaccine special care has to be taken that no substances are used around vaccination that might harm the live bacteria contained in the vaccine. Therefore, it is recommended not to use any antibiotics, neither in feed or drinking water, nor by injection for at least a week around vaccination (≥ 3 days before, on the day of and ≥ 3 days after vaccination).

Choose the best route of administration The easiest, most convenient and efficient way to vaccinate pigs is via the drinking water, using a proportioner or a peristaltic pump. However, this might not be possible in every herd. In those cases the local Boehringer Ingelheim staff will help you to find the best solution for your individual herd.

Evaluate benefits of vaccination The bad news: There is no simple laboratory test to do that, neither detection of antibodies nor detection of Lawsonia by PCR indicate success or failure of Ileitis vaccination. The good news: The success can be estimated by the observable and measurable benefits of vaccination. Clinical signs due to Lawsonia intracellularis infection are reduced or absent in a properly vaccinated herd. Minimizing the negative effects of Lawsonia intracellularis can typically improve the performance of the herd which results in more homogenous growth and less feed needed for the same weight gain.