MILTON KEYNES, U.K., June 29, 2022 – U.K. pig producers are being asked to complete a survey to share their experiences and knowledge of a common on-farm disease. 

The survey is being conducted by MSD Animal Health U.K., a subsidiary of MSD Animal Health, a subsidiary of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA, to gain a better understanding of the awareness of ileitis among producers.

 “With Lawsonia intracellularis, the bacteria which causes ileitis, being present on up to 100% of U.K. pig farms, and the symptoms of ileitis not being specific to the disease, producers aren’t always aware they have ileitis on-farm,” says Sam Carmichael, veterinary key account manager for pigs at MSD Animal Health U.K. “Therefore, pigs often go untreated, or inappropriate treatment is administered.”

 Ileitis can be prevented with vaccination and good on-farm biosecurity, but a clear understanding of the disease and its symptoms is needed to ensure these prevention methods are followed.

 Mrs Carmichael notes that disease outbreaks, resulting in poor performing stock and increased mortality rates among the herd, can be costly to pig enterprises. Therefore, identifying a disease threat early, mitigates the risk to a business.

“We want to understand the level of disease awareness among U.K. pig producers to highlight areas where further industry education may be required.

 “From the findings of this survey, we hope to be able to offer ways to better support the industry in raising awareness of ileitis. We want to help producers to spot the symptoms and understand the importance behind strict biosecurity measures and robust vaccination programmes,” she adds.

 Producers are being asked to complete a short survey in exchange for entry into a prize draw to receive an MSD Animal Health U.K. branded clothing bundle.

 Visit: https://bit.ly/3PRSQfx, or for more information on ileitis, speak to your MSD Animal Health U.K. account manager.