Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

PCV2 vaccine approved for pregnant sows
piglets
PCV2 can have a devastating impact on pig health, as well as economic losses for farmers.
Vaccine is a first in the EU
 
A vaccine to protect against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) has now been approved for use in pregnant and lactating sows.

The European Medicines Agency has authorised this use of the Ingelvac CircoFLEX, which was developed by Boehringer Ingelheim.

According to the head of the pharma company, George Heidgerken, this is the first PCV2 vaccine to be licensed in the EU for the protection of both piglets and sows.

PCV2 can have a devastating impact on pig health, as well as economic losses for farmers. Infection may lead to wasting, paleness of the skin, dyspnea or diarrhoea in piglets and, in breeding sows, can result in reproductive losses.

In both piglets and sows, the virus can also cause subclinical infections.

According to Boehringer, Ingelvac CircoFLEX reduces mortality, clinical signs and lesions associated with PCV2.

In addition, the company says studies have shown vaccinating sows has 'significant positive effects' on reproductive performance and the number of piglets born alive and weaned.

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Equine Disease Surveillance report released for Q4 2025

News Story 1
 The latest Equine Disease Surveillance report has been released, with details on equine disease from Q4 of 2025.

The report, produced by Equine Infectious Disease Surveillance, includes advice on rule changes for equine influenza vaccination.

Statistics and maps detail recent outbreaks of equine herpes virus, equine influenza, equine strangles and equine grass sickness. A series of laboratory reports provides data on virology, bacteriology, parasitology and toxicosis.

This issue also features a case study of orthoflavivus-associated neurological disease in a horse in the UK. 

Click here for more...
News Shorts
RCVS annual renewal fee for vets due

RCVS' annual renewal fee for veterinary surgeons is now due. Vets must pay their renewal fee before Wednesday, 1 April 2026.

This year's standard annual fee has increased to 431 from last year's 418. This is an approximately three per cent increase, as approved by RCVS Council and the Privy Council.

Tshidi Gardner, RCVS treasurer, said: "The small fee increase will be used to help deliver both our everyday activities and our new ambitious Strategic Plan, which includes aims such as achieving new legislation, reviewing the Codes of Professional Conduct and supporting guidance, and continuing to support the professions through activities such as the Mind Matters Initiative, RCVS Academy and career development."

A full breakdown of the new fees is on the RCVS website. Information about tax relief is available on the UK government website.