Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Respiratory Disease Vaccine Welfare

Vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and APP significantly reduces respiratory disease welfare burden in pig herds.

Key Facts

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae vaccination reduces pneumonia lesions at slaughter by 40-60%
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae vaccination reduces pleuritis and sudden death
Circovirus vaccination prevents wasting disease and immune suppression
Combination vaccines reduce handling stress compared to multiple separate vaccines
Timing vaccination before the period of highest risk maximises immune protection

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes chronic discomfort and acute illness that significantly reduces pig welfare. Vaccination against primary respiratory pathogens reduces disease incidence and severity, preventing the prolonged suffering of untreated respiratory infection. Strategic vaccination programmes that target the highest-risk periods are both welfare and cost-effective.

What You Can Do

Support evidence-based vaccination planning for pig respiratory disease
Advocate for vaccination records as part of pig welfare certification
Share vaccination timing guidance with pig producers