Mycoplasma remains one of the most persistent challenges facing swine herds, especially in the finishing stage. If not properly treated, it can lead to chronic respiratory disease that can act as a gateway letting mixed respiratory infections from secondary pathogens into a pig’s system. As a result, producers can be faced with economic losses such as reduced performance gains, uneven growth, more days needed to reach slaughter weight, treatment and control costs, and even increased mortality.
Findings suggest a new protocol in which whole-herd water medication using Pulmotil® AC was administered at the start of the herd closure, rather than at the end, in combination with targeted piglet injections and a 240-day closure period. This up-front treatment approach successfully produced Mycoplasma-negative pigs, reducing the duration of positive pig production and improving pig performance throughout the closure.
Through updated Mycoplasma treatment plans and continuous monitoring, producers can achieve earlier performance gains and a more decisive reduction of infection pressure.
