Circovac: Veterinary Drug

Circovac is a vaccine for use in pigs. Circovac comes in two vials, one containing a suspension and the other containing an emulsion, and these need to be mixed before injection. Circovac contains an inactivated porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) virus strain. "Inactivated" means that the virus has been killed so that it can no longer cause disease. Circovac is used to reduce the changes in and damage to lymphoid tissues associated with PCV2 infection in piglets and to help reduce the overall deaths in piglets connected with this infection. The vaccine is given to female pigs before and/or during pregnancy. Their piglets then become immunised when they drink the colostrum (first milk) from their vaccinated mothers.

Circovac is given by deep intramuscular (into a muscle) injection. The number of injections needed varies according to the type of female pig being treated: gilts (female pigs that have not yet had piglets) need to receive three injections; sows (female pigs that have had piglets before) need to receive two injections; and sows that have been vaccinated before need only one injection. The timing of the injection is adjusted according to the dates of mating and farrowing (giving birth). In all cases the last dose (and only dose, in case of re-vaccination) is given at least two weeks before the expected date of farrowing.

Circovac contains inactivated PCV2. When the gilt or sow is injected, the pig’s immune system recognises the inactivated virus as ‘foreign’ and reacts to this by producing antibodies to destroy it. These antibodies are transferred from the mother to the piglets through the colostrum, and they help the piglets to fight the PCV2 virus if they become exposed to it after they are born.

CIRCOVAC SIDE EFFECTS

Circovac can cause a harmless temporary redness or swelling at or around the injection site, which can last for up to four days after the injection. Following injection, pigs may have an increased body temperature of 1.4°C for up to two days, and in some pigs of up to 2.5°C, but this should not last more than 24 hours after the injection. Other rarer side effects in the injected pigs are reduced activity and food intake, but these are also temporary. For a full list of all side effects reported with Circovac, see the Package Leaflet.

CIRCOVAC: PRECAUTIONS FOR HUMANS

Circovac contains mineral oil. Accidental injection may cause severe pain and swelling, particularly if injected into a joint or finger, which can in rare cases lead to the loss of the finger. If someone is accidentally injected with even a very small amount of this product, they must seek medical advice immediately and the Package Leaflet should be shown to the doctor. If pain persists for more than 12 hours after medical examination, the doctor should be contacted again.

CIRCOVAC: WITHDRAWAL PERIOD

Zero days.

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