Zoetis has introduced Fostera Gold PCV MH, the U.S. pork industry’s first vaccine to include two genotypes of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2).

March 4, 2018

2 Min Read
Zoetis introduces first swine vaccine with two PCV2 genotypes

Zoetis has introduced Fostera Gold PCV MH, the U.S. pork industry’s first vaccine to include two genotypes of porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) — 2a and 2b.

Together, the two genotypes provide the broadest range of protection against evolving PCV2 viruses in U.S. swine herds. The vaccine’s efficacy against 2d — the most prevalent PCV2 genotype — has been demonstrated in a large field trial as well, the company said.

“We’re pleased to introduce a vaccine that brings real value to the U.S. pork industry — one that provides broader protection against PCV2 genotypes and, more importantly, helps to minimize performance problems due to the virus, reduce monetary losses for producers and benefit animal welfare,” said Lucina Galina, DVM, PhD, director, swine technical services, Zoetis.

The duration of immunity (DOI) with Fostera Gold PCV MH is at least 23 weeks for PCV and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), which means the vaccine will protect most herds through the finishing period. The vaccine’s DOI for PCV2 is the longest of any commercial vaccine of its kind in the U.S.  

Zoetis said the vaccine offers two convenient dosing regimens. Fostera Gold PCV MH may be administered as a single 2-ml dose from 3 weeks of age or as a split dose with two, 1-ml doses administered 3 weeks apart.

“The split-dose regimen can be initiated as early as 3 days of age, but based on field experience with PCV vaccines, we advise either one dose from 3 weeks of age or the two-dose regimen starting at 3 weeks of age,” Galina said.  

The most prevalent PCV2 genotypes currently circulating in U.S. herds are PCV2d followed by PCV2b and PCV2a, according to the latest data from Iowa State University’s Veterinary Diagnostic Lab.

Other commercial PCV2 vaccines contain either the PCV2a or PCV2b genotype, but not both. While traditional PCV2 vaccines have provided acceptable cross protection against 2d in many herds, it has sometimes been insufficient, Galina said.

“And the percentage of herds with subclinical or undetected PCV2 could grow as the virus evolves and evades conventional PCV2 vaccination programs,” she added.

Fostera Gold PCV MH protects against 2a and 2b and, in the field trial, showed additional cross protection against the highly prevalent 2d. Phylogenetic analysis has demonstrated that 2b and 2d are closely related; 2d was once called “mutant 2b.” Antibodies and immune cells such as lymphocytes against 2b also recognize 2d.

Zoetis unveiled Fostera Gold PCV MH at a special VIP event held in association with the AASV annual meeting in San Diego, Cal.

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