Tweet
In line with its commitment to further responsible antibiotic use, Bayer is proud to introduce SRD Smart Compare, a new online tool that puts sound scientific evidence at veterinarians’ fingertips to aid in their selection of an antibiotic treatment for swine respiratory disease (SRD) when needed.
Swine respiratory disease (SRD) is a highly prevalent and complex infectious disease affecting the swine industry. Managing the disease effectively remains a challenge for swine professionals, and in the interest of swine health and well-being, antibiotics continue to play an important role in the treatment of bacterial SRD infections.
Bayer’s SRD Smart Compare tool is based on a network meta-analysis of 34 publically available SRD treatment studies covering 10 relevant antibiotic molecules. The online comparison tool synthesizes and simplifies the evaluation of the scientific data to aid veterinarians in choosing the most efficacious antibiotic for treatment of the disease. Improving treatment outcomes for SRD contributes to better swine health and well-being with less antibiotic use.
“It can be challenging for veterinarians to compare the efficacy of the different antibiotic treatments. This is why we collaborated with two independent scientists, who conducted a comprehensive literature review followed by a network meta-analysis of all major SRD antibotic treatments. This led to a conclusion that is of higher statistical reliability than attempting to draw conclusions based on individual study results. When faced with pigs suffering from SRD, it is vital to use the most effective antibiotic right from the beginning, and use it appropriately, for optimal treatment outcomes. This is part of good antibiotic stewardship,” said Douglas Shane, Farm Animal Products Researcher at Animal Health, Bayer, who co-authored the network meta-analysis.
“The health and well-being of pigs is important to us. We are pleased to be able to support veterinarians with practical tools, such as SRD Smart Compare, and contribute further to good antibiotic stewardship at the same time. SRD Smart Compare presents a sound scientific, evidence-based guide for veterinarians and enables them to make decisions based on solid efficacy information on available SRD treatments options. This is in line with our strong commitment to responsible antibiotic use,” said Octavio Orlovsky Eckhardt, Head of Species Marketing Swine at Animal Health, Bayer.
Find out more about SRD Smart Compare at http://srd-smart-compare.com.
About Swine Respiratory Disease (SRD)
Swine Respiratory Disease is a leading cause of poor development and mortality in nursery, grower and finisher pigs and can be caused by multiple infectious agents. While the definition of SRD is sometimes limited to acute respiratoy disease associated with bacterial pathogens (e.g. US FDA definition), it is commonly used synonymously with Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC) also including viral agents. Relevant pathogens include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, bacterial pathogens, such as Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP), Streptococcus suis, Pasteurella multocida, Haemophilus parasuis and Bordetella bronchiseptica, and viral agents such as Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSv) and Swine influenza virus (SIV). The combination and interplay of the different agents makes the identification and treatment of SRD complex tasks.
About SRD Smart Compare
Bayer’s SRD Smart Compare is a novel online comparison tool designed to help make it easier for veterinarians to make evidence-based decisions on swine respiratory disease (SRD) treatments. The tool draws on data from the publication of O’Connor AM, Totton SC, Shane D, “A systematic review and network meta-analysis of injectable antibiotic treatment options for naturally occurring swine respiratory disease” (J Swine Health Prod. 2019;27(3):133-150). Effectively, the calculator interface allows a comparison of the evidence-based efficacy of all major antibiotic options for SRD, enabling veterinarians to choose the most efficacious antibiotic for treatment. This helps to promote disease resolution, contribute to responsible antibiotic use and further swine health and well-being. Antibiotics should only be used according to the respective approved label claims and following responsible use principles. More information at http://srd-smart-compare.com.