PREVALENCE OF MYCOPLASMA-HYOPNEUMONIAE INFECTION IN GERMANY - CONCLUSIONS FOR THE CONTROL OF ENZOOTIC PNEUMONIA IN PIGS

Over a period of 2 1/2 years, 20,212 blood and colostrum samples from 2935 German pig herds were examined for antibodies against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in an ELISA. Antibodies were detected in 42.53% of the s amples. The seroprevalence and prevalence in colostrum was greater in samples from fattening pigs and gilts compared to blood samples from p iglets and adult sows. The herd seroprevalences were: 81.2% in fattene rs, 32.73% in piglets, 63.02% in gilts and 47.19% in adult sows. Colos trum samples from 61.9% of herds were positive. The results indicate a high prevalence of infection with M. hyopneumoniae in German pig herd s. No regional differences or seasonal variations in prevalence were d etected. In view of this high prevalence, the importance of serologica l diagnosis for the control of enzootic pneumonia is being discussed.