In Denmark, a 450-sow unit was depopulated, sanitised and SPF high-herd-health status gilts introduced. Despite careful application of biosecurity rules, the herd became reinfected with PRRSV European strain, Mycoplasma and APP serotype 6. Thereafter it suffered from abortions, a high prevalence of returns to heat, weak piglets and low farrowing rate. A programme of vaccination with PROGRESSIS introduced in October 2002 resulted in three additional weaned piglets per sow per year and a reduction of almost 50% in the numbers of stillborn piglets per sow per year. The work also demonstrated an increase in the number of weaned pigs per litter, a reduction in non-productive days per litter, a lower number of sows returning to heat, plus an improved farrowing rate.

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