The need for a new vaccine approach

Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) is a chronic disease with very serious side effects. There are few geographic regions where it is not an endemic problem. Across the globe, the disease has a devastating effect on the health, welfare and performance of egg layers. And, of course, their profitability. 

For decades, antibiotics have been used to treat infections, but this alone is not enough to control Mg in layers. And in the long term, new regulations will restrict the uncontrolled use of antibiotics. 

To improve the health of our birds – and survive as an industry – we need to ensure we use antibiotics as effectively as possible. We also need to prevent as well as treat through a multi-faceted approach to Mg control.

Introducing the new standard for Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) control

Until now, a single live vaccination programme has been considered the best protection against Mg. But innovative research conducted by independent Mycoplasma expert, Dr Naola Ferguson-Noel, is changing the way we think about Mg control. From this moment on, we should all Think Twice. 

The research shows that, by combining one live F-vaccine plus two killed Mg bacterin vaccines, we can deliver better protection and performance in egg layers. This combined vaccine approach:

• Provides superior respiratory protection
• Reduces replication in the trachea
• Limits egg production drops

Why use a combined vaccine approach?

Single live or inactivated Mg vaccines have been used globally for many years. But later reports from field veterinarians suggested mycoplasma combination programs were more effective, 

Dr Ferguson-Noel set out to investigate the claims. 

Dr Ferguson-Noel compared single live and inactivated vaccines with the combined approach. Her results were conclusive: the combined approach provides superior protection compared with the single programs.

 • 100% of the birds vaccinated with the live+inactivated combination did not become infected with the Mg challenge strain

• The highest dose of Mg was not sufficient to infect a single bird vaccinated with the live+inactivated combination