Follow Veterinary Practice News on Twitter at @vetpetnews Novartis Animal Health has released a broad-spectrum antibiotic formulated to treat swine respiratory disease, which carries a high mortality rate in pigs of all ages. Florvio (florfenicol) 2.3% Concentrate Solution is administered through drinking water and is intended for treating respiratory disease in nursery pigs from 8 to 13 weeks old as well as grower and finisher pigs. Swine respiratory disease is a leading cause of mortality, accounting for 44 percent of nursery pig loss and 61 percent of grower/finisher pig loss, Novartis reported. Clinical studies and field trials found that florfenicol quickly reduces clinical signs of swine respiratory disease, the company added. “Florvio combines several of the key attributes veterinarians most commonly look for in an antibiotic for treating pigs diagnosed with respiratory disease,” said Mike Daly, the Novartis farm animal brand manager. “It’s broad spectrum, fast-acting, and the active ingredient in Florvio is used only in veterinary medicine.” The concentrated liquid is indicated for the treatment of respiratory disease associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Streptococcus suis and Salmonella choleraesuis. “Strep suis is a significant pathogen in nursing and wean pigs, causing pneumonia, lameness and convulsions,” said Mark Hammer, DVM, manager of veterinary services for Novartis. “The result of these clinical signs can include reduced growth and death. Because the period of time between exposure to the pathogen and the onset of clinical signs can be separated by hours or days, Florvio ... can be applied to all exposed pigs within a barn.” Pigs given Florvio must not be slaughtered for at least 16 days after treatment if intended for human consumption. Any side effects on swine reproductive performance, pregnancy and lactation have not been determined, the Greensboro, N.C., company stated. Previous: Study: Ross University Grads Happy To Be Veterinarians Want more news? See all VeterinaryPracticeNews.com news here.
