EU Poised to Approve First Vaccine for Swine Dysentery

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recommended the approval of Biobhyo, marking a significant milestone as the first vaccine in the European Union designed to combat swine dysentery—a highly infectious and often deadly diarrhoeal disease affecting pigs.

Swine dysentery, caused by the bacterium Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, can infect up to 90% of pigs in affected herds, with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 50%. The disease severely impacts animal welfare and farm productivity, making its control a top priority for the pig farming industry.

Biobhyo is an injectable vaccine containing an inactivated strain of the bacterium, combined with an adjuvant to boost the pigs’ immune response. The recommended vaccination schedule includes two doses: the first at five weeks of age and the second at eight weeks. Field trials conducted in two European countries have demonstrated the vaccine’s effectiveness in reducing the incidence of dysenteric diarrhoea.

According to the EMA, Biobhyo is not expected to pose risks to human or animal health, nor to the environment, when used as directed. The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) will now forward its positive opinion to the European Commission, which will make the final decision on EU-wide marketing authorisation.

Disclaimer:
This article is based on information from publicly available sources and is intended for informational purposes only. The content should not be construed as medical or veterinary advice. Readers are encouraged to consult qualified professionals for specific recommendations regarding animal health and vaccination protocols. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.