On Monday, Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN) announced the results of recent research, undertaken in partnership with the University of Georgia, of a new combination vaccine approach for increased protection against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg) in layer chickens.

The research titled, “Investigation on the Effect of Inactivated Mycoplasma gallisepticumBacterin on the Efficacy of Mycoplasma gallisepticum F-strain Vaccination in Chickens”, was led by Dr. Naola Ferguson-Noel DVM, MAM, PhD at the University of Georgia. Birds were vaccinated with a live F-vaccine followed by two doses of inactivated Mg bacterin vaccines.

Results highlighted the positive outcomes of the combined vaccination program, in comparison with a single live or inactivated vaccine. All the birds vaccinated with the combined program did not become infected with the Mg challenge strain. Furthermore, results showed that this vaccination method helps to achieve better performance and allows for more strategic and costeffective use of antibiotics.

About Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg)

For poultry producers across the globe, Mg is among the top five disease challenges, and can result in significant drops in productivity, economic losses and impact the welfare of the flock. Traditionally, either live or inactivated Mg vaccines are used to protect flocks against the disease. However, reports from experts in the field show that positive results can be achieved by combining both vaccines. Despite this, there has been no scientific evidence or trials to show it was of value, until now.

“We’re delighted with the results of the trials which demonstrates that the combined program can improve protection against mycoplasma,” Dr. Ferguson shares. “It can provide birds with additional defense from a wide variety of mycoplasma lesions in the trachea and air sac lesions.

The approach can also prevent egg production drops.”Marc Castells, Elanco Global Technical Marketer highlights the importance of new approaches for preventing mycoplasma disease in layer chickens: “Now, more than ever, it is important for us to tackle diseases like Mycoplasma gallisepticum in a multifaceted way. The results of this research show that by using the combined program, poultry producers can achieve greater protection along with the prevention of production shortfalls. Furthermore, discovering more effective preventative strategies will enable a far more considered use of antibiotics; which is good for the industry as a whole.”

To find out more information about the research and to download the technical article, visit the website: www.mycoplasmacontrol.com