Articles - Pig health

This article will review the different PRRS diagnostic options based on the different scenarios for which we complete PRRS sampling in the field.

Respiratory pathogens produce different coughs. Any coughing by pigs in a grow-out barn can vary according to the infection present, so it is worthwhile to listen carefully.

Not all progress is made through "smart farming." Here's a simple solution that can greatly improve biosecurity between batches of weaned piglets, preventing recirculation of disease.

Its high survivability in the environment, a long infective period, limited cross-protection, strains with different pathogenicity, and lateral infections make stabilization difficult.

A discussion of the different micro and macroscopic lesions caused by PRRSV, PCV-2, swine flu virus, and porcine respiratory coronavirus.

This vaccine looks promising, but... are we going to see it in Europe?

Farm biosecurity is key to preventing the entrance of new infections and pig diseases, but human diseases can also be devastating: Covid-19 can put the human teams on our farms at risk.

Lessons learnt from two of the most important virologists of the north American swine industry, Dra. Torremorell and Dra. Culhane, from other coronavirus outbreaks than spread globally within the swine industry.

What kind of cells make up the respiratory defense system of pigs? How do they organize and communicate with each other?

In this article we share the WHO guidelines for hand hygiene, which is a very important part of the day-to-day on a pig farm as incorrect washing leaves some areas dirty.

Why is achieving efficient transport biosecurity so complicated? In this first article of a series, we will review the different challenges we need to overcome in order to achieve more efficient biosecurity in pig transport vehicles.

In the years since the PCV-2 vaccine was introduced to solve the enormous problem caused by circovirus, what do you think has changed and how does it affect farms?

The three main causes suspected were a low level of vitamin E in sow diets, warfarin poisoning or thrombocytopenia purpura.

Nurse sows may represent a source of infection to the newly adopted pigs.

Do we clearly understand which are the most effective biosecurity measurements to prevent the transmission of ASF between farms when infection pressure increases? What are the major worries of those producers and veterinarians dealing with outbreaks of the disease over short distances?

Which tests should be performed considering their limitations, and what management practices to use to increase security.

Exposure methods: natural, intranasal, intra-tracheal, aerosol or vaccination.

What is the disease transmission risk that comes with importing raw materials? Many feed ingredients are produced in China.

Are we ready to step forward? And declare a suspicion? Do we know how to proceed? What are protocols that will be put in place and how quickly will they happen?

The high genetic diversity of the virus is not only complicating laboratory tests but also the estimation of the level of protection of pigs against PRRSV.

Is the current categorization of antibiotics definitive? What measures will the authorities take to encourage a better pig health status? Can a veterinarian have any kind of problems if following his diagnosis and his judgment uses a group B antibiotic?

In a world where feed ingredients are marketed globally, do we know the minimum infectious dose to transmit the ASF virus in feed? And in water?

An example on how technology can be implemented in a farm for evaluation of biosecurity compliance using production parameters.

Must a veterinarian treat sick animals, whatever the circumstances or conditions that have favoured the emergence of the disease? Prophylaxis or metaphylaxis?