Merck Animal Health Presents New Data Highlighting Commitment to Swine Innovation at the 27th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress and 15th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management
RAHWAY, N.J., June 4, 2024 – Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside of the United States and Canada, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (NYSE:MRK), today announced the presentation of more than 30 studies at the 27th International Pig Veterinary Society Congress (IVPS) and 15th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management (ESPHM), highlighting new research across the company’s broad swine portfolio and initiatives. The meeting will take place June 4-7, 2024 in Leipzig, Germany.
Merck Animal Health will present data that emphasize both the economic and environmental sustainability of the industry, using IDAL, a needle-free intradermal vaccination system, and Lawsonia intracellularis vaccination as reference points. Additionally, studies will address the control of highly virulent PRRSv strains, and innovative alternatives for the detection and monitoring of enteric and respiratory pathogens, as well as for reproductive management.
“As a company committed to the overall well-being of pigs and the long-term sustainability of the swine industry, Merck Animal Health is pleased to share insights from our range of cutting-edge vaccines, health management solutions, and value-added services,” affirmed Rika Jolie, DVM, Ph.D., MBA, Head of Global Swine, Merck Animal Health. “This latest research reinforces our unwavering dedication to advancing the field of Animal Health and showcases how our state-of-the-art scientific breakthroughs, products, and solutions can substantially benefit both swine and farmers.”
Key data to be presented at IVPS/ESPHM 2024 include:
- A Cost minimization analysis of intradermal and intramuscular administration of vaccines in Brazil
Intradermal (ID) administration of vaccines is an alternative to traditional routes of administration, such as intramuscular (IM) and oral that may result in lower costs for producers. Fewer resources were required under the ID scenario due to the smaller doses, vial sizes and packaging, and the elimination of needles and syringes. The total cost savings associated with the ID scenario compared to IM was $65,776 USD annually or $0.06 USD per pig marketed.
- Experimental assessment of the efficacy of an MLV PRRS vaccine against challenge with highly virulent PRRSV-1 strain Rosalia
The aim of the study was to assess the efficacy of a modified live (MLV) porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS) vaccine against the challenge with one of those highly virulent isolates. Vaccination with a MLV vaccine administered intradermally resulted in significant clinical, pathological, virological and zootechnical protection against the challenge with highly virulent Rosalia, which is a severe challenge for the Spanish swine industry and a concern for most of European markets.
- Effect of improved feed conversion ratio by Lawsonia intracellularis vaccination on the carbon footprint
A model calculation demonstrated a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions associated with improved feed efficiency in pigs vaccinated against Lawsonia intracellularis. This suggests that improved feed efficiency contributes to sustainability in pig production.
- Effect of improved feed efficiency by Lawsonia intracellularis vaccination on Nitrogen emission in fattening pigs
Nitrogen emission (N-emission) from pig farms can be limited by reducing crude protein content in feed and increasing feed efficiency by Lawsonia intracellularis vaccination. This suggests that both are favorable and suitable tools to reduce N-emission, making pig production more sustainable.
- Effect of amoxicillin, ceftiofur, doxycycline, tiamulin and tulathromycin on the antibody response of piglets vaccinated against Lawsonia intracellularis.
The use of some antibiotics during the development of the adaptive humoral immune response can affect the serological potency of immunogenic vaccines. This negative effect may be especially important in vaccines whose antibody response needs to reach its maximum level in the early stages of nursery phase (e.g., vaccines against Glaesserella parasuis and Streptococcus suis).
Merck Animal Health scientific publications will be available on merck-animal-health-swine.com after the congress. Please visit booth #B10 for more information.
About Merck Animal Health
At Merck, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than a century, we’ve been at the forefront of research, bringing forward medicines, vaccines and innovative health solutions for the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA, is the global animal health business of Merck. Through its commitment to The Science of Healthier Animals®, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, producers, pet owners and governments one of the widest ranges of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services as well as an extensive suite of connected technology that includes identification, traceability and monitoring products. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals and the people who care for them. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com and connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
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