Efficacy of PCV2 Vaccination Under Natural Conditions: A Longitudinal Study Using PCR and Virus Isolation

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the main cause of porcine circovirus-associated disease (PCVAD). Despite the widespread use of anti-PCV2 vaccines, their efficacy varies, influenced by co-infection and evaluation methods. This study assessed the efficacy of Ingelvac CircoFLEX® PCV2 vaccine under natural conditions. One hundred serum samples were collected from vaccinated and non-vaccinated piglets aged 21 to 173 days. PCR and antibody positivity rates did not show significant differences between the two groups, but PCV2 gene load at 91 days was significantly lower (p = 0.0095) in the vaccinated group. Anti-PCV2 antibody titers were also significantly lower in the vaccinated group at 91, 145, and 173 days (p < 0.0001). PCV2 was isolated from 50% of piglets in the non-vaccinated group (50%), compared with none (0%) in the vaccinated group, suggesting that PCV2 gene load in the non-vaccinated group did not correlate with viremia. Both groups were positive for antibodies to porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) at 63 days, prior to the surge in PCV2 gene load, suggesting PRRSV may enhance PCV2 replication. These findings highlight that while the vaccine reduced PCVAD damage, evaluation should incorporate methods such as virus isolation instead of relying solely on PCR.