Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae-induced disease.

Abstract Respiratory disease remains a significant problem to the swine industry. In most production systems, multiple pathogens and their interactions are responsible for the pneumonia and reduced productivity that are observed. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae , the cause of enzootic pneumonia, remains an important contributor to respiratory disease in swine herds throughout the world. Recent research has demonstrated that different isolates of M. hyopneumoniae exhibit varied degrees of virulence and can complicate diagnostics. Diagnostics associated with M. hyopneumoniae can be frustrating due to the chronic nature of the organism and its location within the airways of infected pigs. M. hyopneumoniae is also problematic to the swine industry because of its impact on disease caused by other pathogens such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Vaccination remains the primary method of control, although judicial use of antibiotics can help reduce disease. Controlling M. hyopneumoniae -induced disease is an important strategy for increased productivity and improved respiratory health in most herds and is economically justified in most herds.