Eradication of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from a swine finishing herd without total depopulation

Using vaccination and medication, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mhyo) was eradicated from a finishing herd without total depopulation. Altogether 3243 feeder pigs originating from Mhyo-free herds were vaccinated once using an inactivated, adjuvanted vaccine before transporting them to a Mhyo-infected finishing herd. The Mhyo-infected groups of pigs were medicated with antimicrobial agents at the time of the arrival of the first groups of Mhyo-free, vaccinated feeder pigs. The groups were operated with an all-in–all-out method in rooms with separate ventilation and slurry disposal systems. Thereafter the farmer purchased only non-vaccinated feeder pigs originating from Mhyo-free sow herds. Serology gave no positive results for 5.5 years and it was concluded that the eradication programme had been successful in producing a Mhyo-free herd without total depopulation.