Researchers at Harbin Veterinary Research Institute (HVRI), CAAS hit another milestone in the vaccine development. The Inactivated Porcine Circovirus (PCV, type 2) Vaccine (LG strain), a patented product with independent IPR, was granted the certificate of new veterinary pharmaceuticals (class 2) by the Chinese Ministry of Agriculture.

PCV type 2 is prevalent in the swine herds in China. It attacks the immune system of the animal thus increases its chance for relapse and multi-infection. Affected pigs often have clinical signs like retarded growth, dyspnea, progressive wasting, anemia, jaundice or diarrhea. Diseases are often associated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (also known as blue-ear disease), which pushes the mortality rate to 10%, or 50% in extreme cases.

The new inactivated porcine circovirus vaccine developed by HVRI, CAAS can provide 96% of protection. It can be applied to any swine variety at any time of the pig’s growing circle. With high content of antigen and strong immunogenity, the vaccine activates the swine’s immune system rapidly and generates effective antibody. Vaccinated pigs demonstrated a higher postweaning survival rate compared with the controlling group.

The vaccine is launched into production by a biotech company in Harbin and will be commercialized in the near future.