Early detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs under field conditions
Early detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs under field conditions is of major importance to the modern swine industry worldwide. Through early detection of one of the major pathogens of PRDC, rapid intervention through implementation of vaccination or early treatment with reduced antimicrobial use is possible. Serological monitoring is suitable to evaluate specific management interventions such as a transition to batch management system. However, for early detection other more performant techniques such as trachea-bronchial swab (TBS) sampling combined with qPCR have demonstrated superiority. The present work has validated a TBS technique and applied it under various field conditions to detect the prevalence of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in US, Belgium and The Netherlands. In addition, TBS has been able to detect Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in two SPF herds that obtained suspect results by serology. In conclusion, TBS has the potential for early detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in pigs under various field conditions.
Veterinary Sciences, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, pigs, detection, TBS, qPCR
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Ghent University. Faculty of Bioscience Engineering