Autogenous vaccines can control greasy pig syndrome, said Dr. Marty Misener, a veterinarian at Millbank.
It’s usually not a problem in established herd since immunity passes from sows to piglets, but it can be problematic in new herds stocked with gilts, he said.
It is caused by bacteria that shed toxins that develop into skin infections that can cover the entire body.
Infected pigs become dehydrated, lose weight and may die.
The autogenous vaccines are administered to pregnant gilts who develop immunity which is passed to offspring.
Misener cited successful use of autogenous vaccine in Germany where the disease was resulting in 10 per cent mortality.
His report is published on the swineweb website.
