Merck Animal Health, a division of Merck & Co. Inc., announced Oct. 10 the launch of IDAL 3G Twin, the first needle-free and intradermal device with two injector heads and the latest innovation in the IDAL portfolio for swine vaccination, at the Merck Animal Health High Quality Pork meeting in Baveno, Italy.

The new, easy-to-use IDAL 3G Twin allows veterinarians and producers to quickly deliver two vaccines with a single movement to efficiently protect against common swine diseases, Merck Animal Health said, which improves farm management by reducing the labor needed to vaccinate large numbers of pigs, while improving animal welfare by reducing stress and pain to the animal during vaccination.

“Building on technology used in the IDAL 2G and 3G devices, the new IDAL 3G Twin is specifically designed to help veterinarians and producers quickly protect their herd from two of the most common diseases found in swine today,” said Olivia Azlor, director, global swine marketing, Merck Animal Health.

In combination with “The IDAL Way,” the broadest portfolio of vaccines designed for intradermal use, the IDAL 3G Twin device helps to prevent porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, keeping the pigs healthy and creating a sustainable food production chain. Where licensed, the following vaccines can currently be administered:

* PORCILIS PCV ID: The first intradermal PCV vaccine for active immunization of pigs as early as three weeks of age to reduce PCV2 viremia, viral load in the lung and lymphoid tissue and virus shedding, loss of daily weight gain and mortality associated with a PCV2 infection.

* PORCILIS M. HYO ID ONCE: A one-dose vaccine for immunization of piglets as early as three weeks of age to reduce lung lesions and decrease in daily weight gain during the finishing period following a Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae infection.

As a third-generation device in the company’s needle-free IDAL vaccine delivery system, IDAL 3G Twin has additional features that make the system easier to use, including a long-lasting Li-Ion battery, a balanced design, ergonomically shaped two-component surface for maximum grip and intuitive handling with two-button control and graphical display, the company said.

Producers and veterinarians can contact their Merck Animal Health representative for more information.