June 2026 Newsletter
- Spencer Ag Center
- Jun 1
- 5 min read
A vaccine to meet the changing PCV2 landscape — and today’s field challenges
Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) remains a key, economically significant disease circulating in
swine herds, but the shift in genotype prevalence has influenced the way the industry now approaches the disease.
Most recently, research has linked PCV2 genotype d (PCV2d) as not only the most prevalent genotype circulating among swine herds in the United States and globally, but as the major genotype causing disease.1–3
Boehringer Ingelheim has launched the INGELVAC CIRCOFLEX® AD vaccine, the first and
only vaccine to include both PCV2a and PCV2d antigens in a single dose, helping to simplify protection against the genotypes pigs are most likely to face in the field.
PCV2d is the predominant genotype circulating and causing disease in swine herds
Recent research and diagnostic data show:
Among U.S. diagnostic cases, PCV2d represents approximately 75% of cases, compared with about 15% for PCV2a.1–2
PCV2d is linked to the majority (over 80%) of confirmed porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD) cases.3
This trend is consistent across regions — not just isolated areas.3
Why homologous protection matters in today’s PCV2d-dominated environment
Although there is cross-protection among genotypes, homologous immunity to PCV2d has been shown to confer superior protection, thus presenting an implication for vaccine selection. Put simply, when PCV2d is the predominant circulating genotype, protection that directly targets PCV2d may offer distinct advantages.4
Challenge studies evaluating homologous vaccine protection against PCV2d (meaning, a vaccine containing the PCV2d antigen) showed measurable advantages, especially under coinfection conditions:
Lower mortality4
Fewer treatments4
Reduced viral load4
Simplifying PCV2 vaccination decisions
INGELVAC CIRCOFLEX® AD vaccine combines both PCV2a and PCV2d antigens in one single dose, taking the guesswork out of PCV2 protection. Built on the trusted foundation of the INGELVAC CIRCOFLEX® vaccine, this vaccine:
· Delivers robust protection, as demonstrated through significant reductions in viremia, fecal shedding, and lymphoid depletion and colonization.5
· Can be administered to pigs as young as 2–3 weeks of age.
· Uses the same proven-safe IMPRANFLEX® adjuvant platform producers already trust.
Reach out to your Boehringer Ingelheim veterinarian to discuss whether broader PCV2 coverage could benefit your operation.
References
1 Pineyro P, Ribeiro Braga E, Zeller MA, Gauger P C, Trevisan G, Leite F. Genotypic diversity of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) on a global scale and within the United States, in Proceedings. Leman Conf 2025;129–130.
2 Franzo G, Tucciarone CM, Legnardi M, Drigo M, Segalés J. An updated phylogeography and population dynamics of porcine circovirus 2 genotypes: Are they reaching an equilibrium? Front Microbiol 2024;15:1500498. doi: 10.3389/fmicb.2024.1500498
3 Rodriguez-Torrado A, Morgan J, Waddell J, Pineyro P, Leite F. Investigation of porcine circovirus type 2 genotype d in U.S. swine populations and its association with clinical disease, in Proceedings. AASV Annu Meet 2026.
4 Kroeger M, Fano E, Sponheim A, Schwartz K, Leite F, Gomez-Duran O, Lecznieski L, Piñeyro P. Assessment of homologous and heterologous PCV2 vaccine efficacy in a PCV2d/PRRSV co-challenge model. Vaccine 2025;60:127303.
5 Kaiser T, Jarrett A, Escoe S, Hinds M, Leite F. Efficacy of a novel vaccine containing both PCV2a and PCV2d antigens, in Proceedings. Leman Conf 2025;65–66.
INGELVAC CIRCOFLEX® and IMPRANFLEX® are registered trademarks of Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica GmbH, used under license. ©2026 Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. US-SWN-0019-2026
Mark your Calendars!
World Pork Expo—June 3 - 4, 2026
Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA -- Spencer Ag Team will be there!
Check it out here! https://www.worldpork.org/
NSR The Exposition—June 7- 12, 2026
Iowa State Fairgrounds, Des Moines, IA -- Be sure to check out our Purple Pursuit Booth!
For more information: https://nationalswine.com/events/shows/exposition/expo-open/expo-main.php
Flag Fest Weekend Rodeo—June 12 - 13, 2026
Clay County Fairgrounds, Spencer, IA --- Attend the Rodeo and Races, Support both the Clay County Cattlemen and Clay County Pork Producers by eating a meal with them during Flag Fest Weekend.
For more information: https://claycountyfair.com/flagfest-weekend/
15th Annual Iowa Swine Days — June 24 - 25, 2026
Iowa State University, Ames, IA -- Learn about current industry issues brought to you by the Iowa Pork Industry Council.
Last year the Asian longhorned tick (ALHT) was identified in Iowa along with a blood borne parasite that can cause acute death from anemia. By the fall the tick had been identified in 8 counties along in southeastern and south central Iowa. As there is no treatment or control for the blood parasite your best management strategy will be to control the tick. The ALHT is unique in that the female can reproduce without mating with a male so they can migrate to new geographic areas very easily so everyone in Iowa should be concerned. The tick overwinters very well and it is common to see a bloom of ticks in late May and early June when cattle are turned out to grass as there can be substantial numbers of ticks waiting for an appropriate host.
Unlike flies, ticks are harder to control with standard external parasite control programs such as fly tags and pour-ons. Applying the insecticide directly where the ticks like to congregate provides better control. In a pasture situation cattle oilers or rubbers are probably the most practical method for control. If you have had a problem with ticks in the past or seeing a lot of ticks during the summer then a spray that allows you to get underneath the belly, along the flanks, between their legs and up to the tail head will get better control, also don’t forget the ears if not using fly tags.
Recommended control program for Southern Iowa would be:
Grass turnout – pour with pyrethroid based product, this will provide some initial protection early on until we can gauge tick populations.
Summer – if you start seeing tick on cattle switch to a cattle oiler or rubber with an organophosphate insecticide. Make sure to recharge the insecticide regularly.
Clinical cases of anemia from Theileria – look at an injectable dewormer plus spray cattle with insecticide. Although injectable dewormers will kill ticks they have to attach and take enough of a bloodmeal to reach effect which may not prevent transmission of disease.
Some environmental control can be utilized such as burning. However, the ticks will repopulate these areas from wildlife movement. Removing or fencing cattle out of brushy areas (especially cedar trees) can be beneficial as they provide ideal environment for ticks. Environmental spraying is not effective as ticks move up and down the forage depending on temperature and humidity and are rarely at the top where aerial application would deposit the insecticide.
Article by Grant Dewell, ISU Extension beef veterinarian, Veterinary Diagnostic and Production Animal Medicine
*SAC Article Note: Theileriosis cases have only been recorded in Missouri. While this article primarily focuses on southern Iowa, it is important to stay vigilant with checking your herd for signs of Anaplasmosis and Theileriosis (both tick-borne illnesses) as they appear with similar symptoms, including weakness, jaundice, abortions, and loss of milk production. If you see any signs, don’t hesitate to reach out! Dr. Grace is here to help!
Ear Tags
· Cylence Ultra Ear Tags
· Corathon
Pour Ons
· Inhibidor
· Prolate
· Clean Up II w/IGR
· Prozap Insectrin SC
Spray On
· Durvet Rapid Kill (spray animal or premises)
· Guardstar (spray animal or premises)
Discuss with your field marketer which products and protocols pair best with your herd.
1901 E 8th St. Spencer, IA 51301
Office: 1(712)-262-5552
Emergency Vet: (712)260-6065
Store Hours: 7AM-5PM Monday-Friday
8AM-12 Noon Saturday
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