The direction of swine research is fascinating and frequently cutting-edge in understanding zoonoses, population immunity control, biosecurity and more. New studies referenced in this article seek to uncover more needed information about how to apply tongue tip monitoring to support producers and veterinarians as herds recover from or contract emerging diseases. One would hope … [Read more...]
Highly-read AHD posts from 2023
In this edition of the Animal Health Digest Bulletin, you’ll find highly-read posts in 13 categories. Now in our ninth year of curating content for animal health professionals, our team remains committed to sharing content in the context of daily interactions with animal owners, veterinary teams and industry colleagues. Source: Animal Health Digest Bulletin, December 28, … [Read more...]
2024 Pork Industry outlook: Finding opportunity through challenges
Commentary Animal health pros aware of producer challenges make better partners and advocates when dealing with swine producers and systems. Articles like this offer a wider look at swine production and all the factors in play beyond what solutions we have available through animal health channels. Optimizing individual animals within various production stages remains the … [Read more...]
New in 2022-2023: Drug approvals, indications and generics
NOTE: It is difficult to keep track of what’s coming, what got approved in other countries and what has been approved for use in the U.S. When reviewing the 2023 approvals, we thought a few were missing only to find them on the 2022 list. Both years are linked here. Jim Budde, PharmD, RPh, DICVP, highlights some of the key drugs recently approved for the treatment of small … [Read more...]
Winter manure regulations in effect
Not all states have the same regulations. Some states ban winter manure spreading outright, while others allow it under certain conditions. Chris Torres and Jennifer Kiel share regulations by state governing when manure can be spread. Source: American Agriculturist, December 11, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Equine, backyard poultry and livestock hobbyists may not be aware of … [Read more...]
Controlling livestock diseases could reduce GHG emissions
Sick critters increase greenhouse gas emissions. Vaccination and better management increase production outcomes and ease burdens on the environment, according to a study, published in One Health Outlook. Researchers analyzed emissions caused by some of the most damaging, but preventable, livestock diseases around the world, including foot and mouth disease and PRRS. . . . … [Read more...]
Livestock are NOT dumb and are worthy of scientific attention
Commentary Ignoring livestock has been a “missed opportunity” by the scientific community, according to Christopher Krupenye, PhD. Krupenye seems unfamiliar with the special connections made with the animals of 4-Hers and livestock show enthusiasts. In an article covering scientists who are probing the mental and emotional lives of animals we’ve lived with for thousands … [Read more...]
Study examines livestock trailer cleanliness
Biosecurity remains a significant challenge in livestock production. Studies have shown visual inspection may be insufficient to ensure cleanliness and reduce disease transmission risk because viruses and bacteria are microscopic. The article shares a study where bioluminescence was used to determine if adenosine triphosphate bioluminescence could be used as an indicator of … [Read more...]
USDA, only 6 strains of African swine fever virus
Accurate classification of viruses is paramount for epidemiological investigations and the development of cost-effective countermeasures, including designing vaccines for unique strains of ASFV. Researchers have reclassified the number of African swine fever virus strains from 25 to only six unique genotypes. Reclassifying ASFV from 25 to 6 genotypes is important . . . it may … [Read more...]
Livestock-related products make life simpler (slide show)
Veterinary teams and representatives should take note of this new livestock products review. It includes everything from handling equipment to waterers and more. Farm Progress editors share new products suited to serious livestock producers in this article and slide show. Source: Farm Progress, November 1, 2023. Link. … [Read more...]
USDA strengthens animal welfare requirements for organic label
ICYMI - Livestock and poultry farmers will face new animal welfare requirements to qualify for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s “organic” label. Once published, producers will need to be in compliance within 60 days. New standards require animals to have year-round outdoor access, and shelter must allow livestock to lie down, stand up and turn around. Producers must also … [Read more...]
2 men survive wild pig attacks. Barely.
NOTE: This is a cautionary tale for animal health pros and their customers who like to hunt wild pigs, hike in the woods or have gardens next to brushy cover. Sharing this article will help increase understanding of how dangerous feral hogs can be. James Dean and Monte Sullivan survived horrific wild pig attacks in 2019 and 2022 respectively. They shared their harrowing … [Read more...]
Thoughts worth repeating from the 2023 Leman Swine Conference
The annual Leman Swine Conference remains an important opportunity for swine production professionals to exchange experiences, challenges and views. Jennifer Shike shares an overview of key points and quotes that represent what’s on the industry’s minds. Biosecurity is more than just controlling what is coming into a herd – don’t forget what is coming out.” – Karine Talbot, … [Read more...]
Danish entry systems: What steps are we skipping?
In a recent study, Abby E Schuft, PhD, and her team evaluated three educational methods to teach protocols for a biosecure barn entry and exit. They evaluated the number of errors, length of time to complete and how the education method affected compliance over time. Biosecurity takes constant training, continual reminding and frequent auditing to reduce errors. Source: … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 21, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, September 14, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from the September 14th AHD Bulletin – Things that fit through a surgical mask. Link. Practical advice about heartworm preventative lapses. Link. Call to action: Educate the public about the cost of pet ownership. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary … [Read more...]
The mythical performance curve for net sow output
Culling in livestock production is replete with indecision, reluctance and emotions for many producers. They’ve often worked hard for months or years to optimize their animals’ health only to be faced with removing an animal from the herd to realize increased economic benefits. Statistics require perspective from all sides, as well as accurate data collection. Dennis Dipetre … [Read more...]
Fall and winter prep for smaller swine herds
Colder months bring unique challenges to small swine herds in terms of disease prevention and control. Swine extension educator Casey Zangaro reminds us that not all swine operations are optimized for heat, light and biosecurity. Keeping the heating, lighting, nutrition, health management, environmental management, bedding and recordkeeping on point assists in the upkeep of … [Read more...]
Locomotion and reproduction issues top reasons for sow mortality
A nine-year study revealed prevalent risk factors associated with sow mortality, a growing concern for hog producers. The average annual replacement rate is around 50 percent, with most removals occurring on parity-zero or parity-one females before a positive net present value is achieved. Chris Wright observes the majority of deaths occur during summer. He shares the … [Read more...]
Studies show need for vigilant African swine fever on-farm prevention
These two articles address issues with protecting against African swine fever infections and the spread of disease. In the absence of an effective vaccine, the importance of biosecurity for pork producers is paramount. Source: National Hog Farmer, August 14, 2023. Link. Source: PORK, August 17, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: An industry colleague who recently interviewed … [Read more...]
We need a lot of blue to remain green
Paper: How advances in animal efficiency and management have affected beef cattle’s water intensity in the United States: 1991 compared to 2019. Benjamin Franklin once said, “When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.” Animal health pros realize water quality affects animal health outcomes. So does water availability. While the beef industry has been focusing on … [Read more...]
Enter the “I protect pigs” biosecurity photo contest
This APHIS photo contest seeks to capture the essence of biosecurity in pig farming. Photographers’ photos can play a vital role in educating the world about the pig biosecurity protocols that keep our pork industry safe. Source: PORK, August 4, 2023. Link. INSIGHTS: Share this with youth groups and swine producers on social media, in newsletters and with local radio and … [Read more...]
Foreign animal disease outbreaks on minds of producers
More than 65 percent of persons interested in swine health and production are concerned about foreign animal disease getting into the U.S. hog population based on this snapshot of a National Hog Farmer reader poll. Qualitative measurements help animal health pros identify opportunities to support producers’ prevention efforts to keep animals and the food chain safe. Source: … [Read more...]
Speaking of feral hogs. Watch this!
A trucker shared his experience with a large sounder of feral hogs south of Altus, Oklahoma! Drivers beware. Source: KWTV - NEWS 9 via Facebook, August 8, 2023. Link. (0:19) … [Read more...]
Summer bugs cost farmers and ranchers
Bug populations reach their high points this time of year. Cassandra Olds, PhD, shares the economic costs of various pests, current control methods, pesticide resistance and reminds us that sanitation is key. Summer flies, grubs, bots, deer flies, ticks, plus mosquitoes can create all sorts of problems for livestock producers. Source: Successful Farming, July 29, 2023. … [Read more...]
Will animals at your county fair launch the next pandemic?
Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the U.S. than anywhere else in the world, according to the article linked here. Most have come from agricultural shows and fairs. Dr. Andrew Bowman, a molecular epidemiologist at The Ohio State University, and his colleagues have documented the dangers and looked for ways to make pig shows safer. He says … [Read more...]
Veterinarians, nutritionists find value when working together
Swine production practices have advanced considerably in the last two decades. The historical large divide between veterinarians and nutritionists is progressively closing. AMVC swine veterinarian, Jason Hocker, and swine nutritionist, Trey Kellner, shared perspectives on finding value at the intersection of veterinary medicine and swine nutrition in pork production during the … [Read more...]
Iowa Pork Industry Center seasonal ventilation checklists now available
Regardless of the size of a hog building, following a regular process for maintaining ventilation systems can pay big economic dividends. New summer and winter checklists are available to help guide and remind people in charge of maintenance and ventilation of necessary tasks and inspections. Keeping a printed checklist that stays in the barn can be a useful tool to facilitate … [Read more...]
Three reasons farmers give antibiotics to livestock and poultry
With fair season underway, some livestock people face scrutiny from the general public while showing their animals. Phibro’s Leah Dorman, DVM, shares why animals are given antibiotics in food production. Consider sharing her article with FFA and 4-H members who can use her article to support their production practices and the importance of responsible use. Source: Explore … [Read more...]
Seaboard Farms joins the world’s mega swine producers
Merriam, Kansas-based Seaboard Farms’ 365,000 sows make it the fourth largest swine company in the U.S. and one of the world’s mega swine producers, according to Jim Long, president and CEO, Genesus Inc. Long’s company compiles an annual list of the world’s producers with more than 100,000 sows. Source: Genesus, Link. View the mega producer listing here. … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – July 6, 2023
Last week’s AHD Bulletin – Animal Health Digest Bulletin, June 29th, 2023. Link. Most read post(s) from June 29nd AHD Bulletin – Study: PRP gel accelerates skin wound healing in horses. Link. How to charge for technician appointments. Link. Skipping rocks and back to basics. Link. Place keeper: 2023 Veterinary Conferences provided by Galaxy … [Read more...]