A Chimeric Vaccine against Porcine Circovirus Type 2: Meta-Analysis of Comparative Clinical Trials

This meta-analysis compared the efficacy of a chimeric vaccine against porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) containing the genotypes PCV2a+b (Fostera ® Gold PCV MH [FOS-G]), with commonly used vaccines being derived from genotype PCV2a, considering the following parameters: average daily gain (ADG), mortality and market classification as full value and cull. Data from seven hitherto unpublished comparative US field trials with FOS-G (two experimental challenges and five natural environmental studies) were provided by the manufacturer. A complementary literature review revealed a Korean study, which was considered separately in meta-analysis. Competitors were Circumvent ® PCV-M (CV) and Ingelvac Circoflex ® + Ingelvac Mycoflex ® (IC + IM) in the US, and Porcilis ® (POR) in Republic of Korea. Heterogeneity between experimental and environmental challenge studies in the US was not significant, justifying a combined analysis. Over the entire feeding period, ADG (11 comparisons), mortality (12 comparisons) and market classification were not significantly different between FOS-G and its competitor in the US setting. In the Korean study, however, ADG was higher in pigs vaccinated with FOS-G compared to POR, whereas mortality was not significantly different.