Dr. Bob Rowland, co-executive director of the North American PRRS Symposium, reveals two big headlines from the recent conference. He also explains how the symposium has evolved to include all emerging diseases and offers an update on diagnosing challenging diseases. Source: The Pig Site, November 26, 2019. Link. “You can almost see the alarm bells going off in terms of … [Read more...]
Gates Foundations fund hub for livestock vaccines
Researchers from The Pirbright Institute in the U.K. have been awarded $5.5 million by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to establish a Livestock Antibody Hub aimed at improving animal and human health globally. The aim is to use Pirbright’s expertise in livestock viral diseases, cutting-edge technology and unique high-containment facilities to bring antibody discovery, … [Read more...]
Organic label doesn’t guarantee that holiday ham came from a happy pig
There’s an assumption that certified organically raised animals live happier, more natural lives. The reality, writes Michael Haedicke, is more complicated. Government regulations for organic farming contain few specific protections for pigs, poultry and other animals raised for human consumption. So, conditions on organic farms may not actually be all that different from … [Read more...]
Rats, cats and feral hogs invading national parks
A new study published in the Biological Invasions journal says our national parks are under a deep and immediate threat from invasive, non-native species. The researchers are urging the National Park Service to create and implement a systemwide approach that involves everybody from National Park Service leadership to their staff and park visitors. Source: CNN, December 4, … [Read more...]
Understanding swine gut microbiome at different growth stages
What pigs are fed and at which growth stage makes a difference in the swine gut microbiome, according to new research. University of Arkansas researchers completed a comprehensive longitudinal study that remarkably expands the understanding of the swine gut microbiome and addresses ecological questions: How does the swine gut microbiome change from birth to market across … [Read more...]
Don’t let barn fires happen
Barn fires in North America occur predominantly in the winter months. Supplemental heating, increased bedding, fuel containers and aging electrical wiring are common reasons animal barns and shelters catch fire during winter months. This article focuses on dairies but horse barns, kennels and coops are also susceptible. Source: Hoard’s Dairyman, December 9, 2019. Link. A … [Read more...]
ASF: Full depopulation may be the only option (podcasts)
Veterinarians from Pipestone Veterinary Services discuss historical and future perspectives on swine disease elimination at the herd, regional and national level in two Swine Time podcasts. Sometimes hog producers have become better stewards, and sometimes just the change in the production systems has helped elimination, or at least have diminished the occurrences, of diseases … [Read more...]
Most read cattle and swine posts
In last week’s Bulletin, we featured the most-read livestock posts < link > which included poultry content. Readers expressed interest in seeing cattle and swine separately. Below are the most-read swine and cattle posts from June through October 2019 not featured last week. < link > Source: Search Results for: cattle, Animal Health Digest. Link. Heed OSHA … [Read more...]
Most read livestock posts
Posts about poultry garnered remarkable readership by readers interested in food animals. Three of the most-read livestock posts from June 1 through October 31, 2019 were about poultry. Feed sows in late gestation to enhance colostrum, AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. DVM walks us through Fair Oaks Farms video (video), AHD, June 25, 2019. Link. In search of the perfect cow, … [Read more...]
WARNING! Choose rodent poisons wisely
Rodents flock to buildings this time of year. Laura Haggarty shares her experiences with rodents, bait and pets. She shares a warning about Bromethalin, second generation rodenticides, that have NO ANTIDOTE. We added information from the EPA to support her article. Second generation anticoagulants tend to remain in animal tissues longer than do first-generation ones. These … [Read more...]
VIDEO: Ready to advance PRRS control? Time to target grow-finish
Montse Torremorell, with University of Minnesota, spoke to attendees at the North American PRRS Symposium about the need for research in grow-finish. She set the stage for the next speakers about why it’s the next step to advance PRRS control. Source: The Pig Site, November 4, 2019. Link. “We have evidence from other diseases, and even from PRRS itself, that what happens in … [Read more...]
You can’t disinfect a turd, but disinfectants work
We can learn a lot from practical biosecurity protocols used by swine veterinarians and their clients. The approaches practiced in swine production apply across species as we expand our thinking about zoonoses and One Health. Biosecurity must be a mindset and lifestyle. . . it must be ingrained and adhered to, and we also need to trust all employees to do the right thing even … [Read more...]
PRRS season is here
Porcine Respiratory and Reproductive Syndrome (PRRS) virus has a reputation for infecting swine herds more frequently during the fall, winter and spring, writes Adam Schelkopf, DVM. He discusses two primary benefits of using a modified-live virus PRRS vaccine: Growing pig performance Controlling viral spread in a neighborhood Source: PORK, October 21, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
African swine fever decimates 20 percent of Vietnam herd
Ted McKinney, USDA undersecretary, reported from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, during an agricultural trade mission that the country’s swine herd death toll is estimated at 20 percent. Vietnam’s officials said the outbreak appears to be slowing. However, McKinney is unsure of outbreak containment. Learn what this means for the US. Source: The Pig Site, September 18, 2019. Link. … [Read more...]
ASF likely to reach U.S.
As African swine fever (ASF) spreads to more Asian countries, it increases the chance that it will make it into the U.S., Canada or Mexico. One of the key things U.S. producers can do now is to work with their local veterinarian to gather the data and paperwork the state veterinarian will need, if there is a U.S. outbreak that would allow for continued pig movement. Other top … [Read more...]
China’s pig herd continues rapid decline
Reuters reports China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs is showing a 6.4 percent higher decline in the total Chinese swine herd due to the spread of African swine fever (ASF). September’s data shows a 38.7 percent decline, while July’s data indicated 32.3 percent. ASF is now endemic across every province in mainland China. Learn what this is doing to pork prices and … [Read more...]
Three possible pathways for African swine fever to enter US
How easy is it for African swine fever (ASF) to enter the U.S.? Patrick Webb, DVM and National Pork Board director of swine health Programs, explains three ways it can enter. Dr. Scott Dee’s studies on feed ingredients coming in from China are discussed, as well as the important role diagnostics play in trying to rule in or rule out a foreign animal disease. Source: The Pig … [Read more...]
Alternative ways to reduce antibiotic use in the pig herd
Homeopathic approaches can help swine producers reach a long-term reduction in antimicrobial use. Irene Camerlink, a researcher at the University of Veterinary Medicine in Vienna, Austria, explains the first steps to reducing antimicrobials are to assess the quality of the environment and to mitigate stress. She then dives into specific homeopathic options that producers can … [Read more...]
Back to basics: air, water, feed
Jon DeJong, PhD, reminds us that pigs have three basic needs: feed, water and air. These apply universally to all types of livestock and pets. These basics have not been firmly imprinted in some animal owners. One or more may go unnoticed. Source: PORK, August 13, 2019. Link. Also see: Follow these tips to succeed as a newbie pet parent, Inside Pet’s World, August 7, … [Read more...]
IPPC report does not say, “eat less meat” (includes video)
Recent media buzz (see second source below) claimed the newest Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPPC) suggested consumers eat less meat in order to curb climate change. The report < link > focused on land use and land use change, it didn’t tell consumers to eat less meat. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis, says by focusing on eating less meat, consumers are being … [Read more...]
Teach aseptic technique in the kitchen, reduce salmonellosis
“The most formidable challenges of my veterinary career in food safety can be boiled down to the two primary foodborne pathogens of poultry: Salmonella and Campylobacter. I consider them my professional nemeses,” writes Foster Farms’ Robert O’Connor, DVM, MAM. He explains his approach to avoiding these pathogens in the kitchen. O’Connor reminds us that while chicken and other … [Read more...]
New technology holds promise for monitoring sows
Advancements in technologies are sometimes blamed for taking jobs. But in the U.S. swine market, monitoring sow health prior to farrowing is a 24/7 business that often doesn’t get done. Now, new technologies in precision livestock farming may help by monitoring sows’ individual behavior. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 6, 2019. Link. Technology in the farrowing room will … [Read more...]
African swine fever virus inactivated by Virox products
Virox Technologies®, the creators of the patented technology Accelerated Hydrogen Peroxide® (AHP®), recently conducted an independent efficacy test against African swine fever. AHP technology is found in the Intervention farm disinfectant, known as Intervención in Mexico, and Prevail disinfectants in Canada. The results give swine producers an improved option from the points … [Read more...]
Lack of understanding of livestock production driving trends
According to market intelligence firm IRI, 57 percent of U.S. consumers are motivated to purchase products based on factors within social strategy and cultural alignment. Animal welfare certifications on packaging and companies that promote responsible production are moving rapidly to capitalize on the growing influence of millennial and Gen Z purchasing power. For … [Read more...]
China approves use of Thermo Fisher Scientific’s African swine fever diagnostic workflow
China has approved Thermo Fisher Scientific’s PCR-based workflow to detect, monitor and help limit the spread of African swine fever (ASF). PCR is the preferred ASF testing method there. It allows for earlier detection of the virus compared to other diagnostic methods. The Thermo Fisher ASF workflow passed stringent validation protocol carried out by China’s Ministry of … [Read more...]
Is an African swine fever vaccine getting closer to completion?
With African swine fever (ASF) virus moving across the globe, the race is on to be the first to develop a vaccine against the economically devastating disease. The Pig Site spoke to Dr. Linda Dixon, head of the African swine fever (ASF) group at The Pirbright Institute, about their current research and development efforts for an ASF vaccine. The Pirbright research focuses … [Read more...]
Keep pets away to prevent foodborne illness
Animal waste tainting fresh produce is one of the major causes of foodborne ailments. So, farmers’ markets and pick-your-own growers are increasingly guarded about tolerating pets near their edibles. Home gardeners should be cautious, too, writes Dean Fosdick. Source: Associated Press, April 30, 2019. Link. Whether human, dog, cat, cow or deer — all animals can be the … [Read more...]
Biosecurity tips for livestock exhibitors
Livestock show season is still in full swing and biosecurity protocols should be in full swing, as well. Worthwhile biosecurity tips to follow before, during and after a stock show are featured in this blog post. Source: Neogen Blog, May 22, 2019. Link. Careful vigilance is essential while the event is ongoing. This is where risk are highest, so act accordingly. Monitor … [Read more...]
Southern states vulnerable if AFS enters U.S.
African Swine Fever (AFS) is being transmitted in multiple locations worldwide and regions with feral pig populations must heed extra caution. Dr. Liz Wagstrom, chief veterinarian with the National Pork Producers Council, offers perspective of ASF progression with The Pig Site. Source: The Pig Site, June 27, 2019. Link. Includes video. Even in Belgium where they are fight … [Read more...]
RFID is it for USDA’s mandatory animal disease traceability. Deadline is January 21, 2023.
The pressure is on fruit and vegetable growers all over the world to implement traceability systems in the next 12 months. USDA’s Gregory Ibach believes the meat industry will be next on the traceability agenda. USDA took another step toward enhancing the nation’s mandatory animal disease traceablity (ADT) program by requiring official electronic radio-frequency identification … [Read more...]