Porcine circovirus 2 vaccination timing was not associated with piglets' serological response.

BACKGROUND

The development of immunity in pigs starts in utero, but piglets are born immunologically immature and rely on maternal antibodies. Weaning exposes piglets to multiple stressors, yet vaccination is commonly performed around weaning. This study evaluated whether the timing of intradermal porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) vaccination in relation to weaning influences serological responses.

METHODS

In substudy A, 84 piglets were vaccinated at 3.5 weeks; half were weaned the following day and half 1 week later. In substudy B, 84 piglets were vaccinated at 4.5 weeks; half were weaned 1 week before vaccination and half the following day. Blood samples were collected at vaccination and 4 weeks later. Serological responses were assessed using an AlphaLISA immunological assay and compared using Welch's two-sample t-tests.

RESULTS

No significant differences in antibody titres were observed between weaning groups at any time point.

LIMITATIONS: This study assessed only serology after vaccination, and no cellular immune responses were analysed.

CONCLUSION

Vaccination timing in relation to weaning did not alter piglets' serological response.