Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae prevalence in Belgian and Dutch pig herds using a tracheobronchial swab technique and eventual seasonal effects

摘要

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M hyo) - one of the main pathogens of the porcine respiratory disease complex (PPvDC) - is still important in modern intensive swine farming in Europe.1 Diagnosis of mycoplasmal infections can be performed using different approaches: clinical signs, slaughterhouse checks of affected lungs, serological examinations of relevant animal groups or direct identification of the pathogen through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. Recently, a new sampling technique has beendeveloped and validated for use in pigs, namely the tracheo-bronchial swab (TBS) technique.2 The aim of the present study was to obtain data on distribution of M hyo infection throughout closed pig herds in Belgium and The Netherlands using the TBS technique during an entire year. Sampling was mainly focused on early diagnosis, since piglets can already be infected during suckling through the sow3"6 and further spread of infection occurs after weaning.7,8