Implementing PCV2 vaccination resulting in reduction of antibiotic use on Dutch farrow-to-finish farm

The antibiotic use in the food producing animals is of a growing concern for consumers, human health care, politicians and retail. Also the food producing sector itself is looking for (economical) alternatives for these treatments. One of the tools of reducing antibiotics are vaccinations. Production data of a 500 sow farm with 1900 fattening places was retrospectively reviewed for the period January 2009 till December 2010. The fattening unit had a history of diarrhea (Salmonella and Brachyspira negative, Lawsonia positive). Other clinical signs included an increased number of runts, pigs growing apart, and a high mortality (including euthanasia)