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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.

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Practices urged to audit neutering data

News Story 1
 RCVS Knowledge has called on vet practices to audit their post-operative neutering outcomes.

It follows the release of the 2024 NASAN benchmarking report, which collates data from neutering procedures performed on dogs, cats and rabbits.

The benchmarking report enables practices in the UK and Ireland to compare their post-operative outcomes to the national average. This includes the rate of patients lost to follow-up, which in 2024 increased to 23 per cent.

Anyone from the practice can submit the data using a free template. The deadline for next report is February 2026.

Visit the RCVS Knowledge website to complete an audit. 

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News Shorts
RCVS pays tribute to well-loved equine vet

The RCVS and the Riding Establishments Subcommittee has paid tribute to well-loved veterinary surgeon and riding establishment inspector, Rebecca Hamilton-Fletcher MRCVS.

Linda Belton MRCVS, RCVS President, said: "I, along with my colleagues on the RESC, RCVS Council, RCVS Standards Committee, as well as RCVS staff, was very saddened to hear of the sudden death of Rebecca, or Becca as we knew her, last week.

"She was a true advocate for equine welfare and in her many years on the RESC worked to continually improve the quality and consistency of riding establishment inspections, all in the interests of enhanced horse welfare and rider safety."