Aggressive Behaviour of Boars Reduced

 The Committee for Medicinal Products for Veterinary Use (CVMP) and the European Commission (EC) have approved the use of the boar taint vaccine Improvac (Pfizer) for the reduction of aggressive and sexual (mounting) behaviour in boars.
After vaccination with Improvac [1] boars demonstrate behaviour similar to that of castrates or females [2].
 
“The action of Improvac means that entire boars can be raised without the handling issues normally associated with full grown boars, and of course without the risk of tainted meat,” said Niels Wuyts, associate director, veterinary operations of Pfizer Animal Health Europe.
 
Much less likely to injure each other
“It also means that boars are much less likely to injure each other during the late stages of production or during transit, and so the risk of losses due to bruising or other carcass damage is reduced,” he said.
 
“These factors can be regarded as representing some of the most significant advances we have witnessed in recent times for pig farmers,” concluded Mr Wuyts.
 
The CVMP and the EC’s approval supports Improvac’s reputation as the solution to meet consumer demand for quality boar taint-free pork.