Objective Mycoplasma (M.) hyopneumoniae is the causative agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia (EP). This disease, leading to reduced weight gain, reduced feed conversion and increasing use of antibiotics, is one of the major health problems in the pig production throughout Europe. The epidemiology of EP is influenced by several factors including management, hygiene, virulence of the M. hyopneumoniae strain and other factors. In order to increase the epidemiological understanding of EP, five different studies supervised/performed by Dr. Heiko Nathues were conducted during the last five years at the Field Station for Epidemiology, Univ. Vet. Med. Hannover, Germany. The studies addressed the influence of (a) environment, (b) strain variation, (c) time of infection, (d) occurrence of infections among suckling pigs and (e) prevalence among breeding pigs. Initial results from descriptive data analysis have already been published.The objectives of the proposed project are 1) to improve the understanding of EP epidemiology by analyzing existing data collected by projects of Dr. Nathues using a multivariable approach, and2) to develop a compartmental model of the within herd transmission of M. hyopneumoniae which will allow assessing the impact of different husbandry system and potential control measures.As a result of the project, the impact of targeted intervention measures can be assessed, resulting in prevention of clinical disease, reduction of pain and suffering of animals, and in refraining from the use of antibiotics. The expected outcome is a considerable increase of the animals' health and welfare as well as a considerable reduction of the use of antimicrobial drugs in pig production. Fields of science natural sciencescomputer and information sciencesdata sciencemedical and health sciencesclinical medicinepneumologymedical and health scienceshealth sciencespublic healthepidemiologymedical and health sciencesbasic medicinepharmacology and pharmacypharmaceutical drugsantibiotics Programme(s) FP7-PEOPLE - Specific programme "People" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF - Marie-Curie Action: "Intra-European fellowships for career development" Call for proposal FP7-PEOPLE-2010-IEF See other projects for this call Funding Scheme MC-IEF - Intra-European Fellowships (IEF) Coordinator THE ROYAL VETERINARY COLLEGE EU contribution € 192 849,60 Address ROYAL COLLEGE STREET NW1 OTU London United Kingdom See on map Region London Outer London — West and North West Barnet Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Turhan Alasya (Mr.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Total cost No data