A recent retrospective observational study demonstrated that the disease status of the breeding herds, barn characteristics and whole-herd feed medication were associated with the sow mortality rate. The main causes of sow mortality in this study were sudden deaths (30.89 percent), lame deaths (29.10 percent), prolapses (26.96 percent) and other causes (13.05 percent), … [Read more...]
Antibiotics for livestock become prescription-only in 2023. Are you ready?
Sandy Stuttgen reviews the changes when the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine plan for supporting veterinary antimicrobial stewardship will be fully implemented. As of January 1, 2023, all remaining over-the-counter antibiotics are switched to prescription-only status. The VCPR is the key that unlocks the medicine cabinet. Source: Swineweb, December 2, 2022. Link. Under … [Read more...]
Defining water quality in swine barns
Understanding water quality and how to interpret water test results is valuable for producers, managers and consultants. A new publication from the Iowa Pork Industry center highlights the parameters pork producers should focus on when testing drinking water in pig barns: Water Quality in Swine Barns – How Do We Define It? <Link> Source: National Hog Farmer, November … [Read more...]
Alginate hydrogel beads show promise during pig transport
Seeking ways to support pigs during the stresses of transport, a group from Texas Tech University studied possible benefits of providing pigs electrolytes and a glucose source in alginate hydrogel beads*. During transport, AHB pigs had more lying activities than those pigs not exposed to beads. After transport AHB pigs sat more and tended to move more than the pigs not exposed … [Read more...]
African swine fever . . . catching up
Commentary It is a rare day without some media reference to ASF. Foreign countries are experiencing active infections in domestic herds and wild hogs. We believe it is important to expose all animal health pros to the efforts in the U.S. to block ASF from entering the country. ASF is a potential One Health issue paralleling HPAI and FMD in its potential effect on food … [Read more...]
Pigs may help treat, prevent diseases in humans
2019 Png vectors byLovepik.com Scientists at the National Swine Resource and Research Center at the University of Missouri have become the go-to source for genetically modified pigs. The animals are used by researchers across the U.S. to study various diseases that affect humans. The work is categorized as translational medicine where therapies and treatments … [Read more...]
Using fecal metabolites as biomarkers for pigs
Sanitary conditions alter the composition of the microbiome in pigs which affects their productivity, health and welfare. Researchers in the Netherlands believe the use of biomarkers could provide the basis for monitoring subclinical health status in pigs or formulating targeted nutritional interventions aimed at balancing the immune system in young pigs without being … [Read more...]
GFI #263 – understanding new rules for livestock antibiotics
University of Idaho Extension Educator Carmen Willmore helps animal health pros understand the new rules surrounding livestock antibiotics. By rule, commonly used over-the-counter antimicrobials will require a prescription from a veterinarian as part of a valid VCPR. GFI #263 is slated for final implementation on June 11, 2023. Source: Animal Health International, INSIGHT, … [Read more...]
Working together to keep African swine fever at bay
Commentary We noted instructions for international travelers on the USDA website <Link> including sanitizing or burning clothing and shoes. This warning is important for all animal health pros and is relevant considering the growing U.S. population of feral hogs: Do NOT visit a farm, premises with pigs, livestock market, sale barn, zoo, circus, pet store with … [Read more...]
Backyard visitors spell RISK for pets, people
Opinion Omnivores for the most part, wild animals are opportunistic eaters. Pet food left or put out for them is akin to a free drive-in restaurant. Yet, their human-provided takeout represents less than 20 percent* of their caloric needs. Foxes, coyotes, raccoons, opossums, squirrels, skunks, deer and rodents are reservoirs for zoonoses and contribute to the number of … [Read more...]
California court rules in favor of USDA’s new swine inspection system
Commentary Animal welfare and food safety questions often involve striking a balance between ethical positions and economic consequences played out in a political context. Whether or not animal health pros are directly involved in livestock production, the actions required in one species often affect other species. It is important to listen, track and understand potential … [Read more...]
Certified swine sample collectors will be key during an FAD outbreak
There are few people authorized to collect and submit diagnostic samples during a foreign animal disease response. A collaborative industry group was formed with funding provided by USDA's National Animal Disease Preparedness and Response Program to address the shortage. The resources and training requirements developed by a collaborative group will improve the swine … [Read more...]
African swine fever is spreading; know how to protect pigs
ASF hasn’t reached the United States yet. But in recent months, the disease has continued to spread into new areas. Through its Protect Our Pigs campaign, USDA is raising awareness of African swine fever to help producers and veterinarians quickly find and share actionable information to defend their herds, livelihoods and our food supply. Source: National Hog Farmer, … [Read more...]
October is National Pork Month
October is National Pork Month, “Porktober”, marking the time of year when hogs were traditionally marketed, writes Cheryl Day introducing a slide show, Great facts about pork. To celebrate National Pork Month, USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service is inviting pork producers, processors and anyone interested in the U.S. pork supply chain to participate in a series of free … [Read more...]
Thinking like a pig – a key to improving animal welfare (podcast)
Swine It Podcast host Laura Greiner, PhD, visits with Jason McAlister who shares how we can improve animal welfare while simultaneously improving the efficiency of production facilities. We may just need to get down on all fours and think like a pig would…” Source: Swine It Podcast, September 27, 2022. Link. Greiner and McAlister discuss: Moving from meat science to … [Read more...]
Worth a Glance – September 22, 2022
Last week’s most read posts – September is National Pet Health Insurance Month. Link. Chewy’s autoship sales hit all-time high in Q2. Link. Last AHD Bulletin - Animal Health Digest Bulletin, Thursday, September 15, 2022. Link ====================================== Bird flu now in 40 states Source: Successful Farming, September 19, 2022. Link. Threat … [Read more...]
Pigs contract Senecavirus A through imported feed
A great amount of laboratory work has proven that viruses, including SVA, can survive well in feed but researchers have never had a real-world case where they could come to a strong conclusion that a new virus entered a country through feed imports. Until now. Scott A. Dee, DVM, MS, PhD, explains the significance of the discovery as a big-time wake-up call. Dee encourages … [Read more...]
Munching on meal worms
Some say plant-based meat alternatives have lost their hype. Meanwhile, scientists are working to develop another protein alternative using mealworms. Source: PORK, August 26, 2022. Link. Containing high amounts of fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, fiber and high-quality protein, insects can be considered both a nutritious and healthy food source, the article claims. Also … [Read more...]
Pigs and airflow – how important is it and how do we optimize it? (podcast)
An important component of having good health is proper air quality and airflow in swine barns. Brett Ramirez, PhD, discusses proper airflow, the importance of air quality in new and old barns, and other things to consider when designing a new swine facility. Source: Swine It Podcast, August 30, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Ventilation is as important for farm workers as it is … [Read more...]
KCAHC #AHSummit22 exceeds expectations
Kudos to the KCAHC team; Corridor committee; Spencer Breithaupt, Chairman; panel participants; speakers and presenting companies. Congratulations to: Scott Campbell, DVM, who was awarded KCAHC Iron Paw <Link> Vidium Animal Health for being selected as the 2022 Innovation Award recipient for @vidiumah which provides veterinarians and pet owners more tools to manage … [Read more...]
Allen D. Leman Swine Conference slated for September 17-20.
The 2022 Leman Conference will feature sessions covering everything from foreign animal disease and biosecurity to Prop 12 and gene editing for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome. Internationally acclaimed for bringing science-driven solutions to the complex challenges facing the industry, the event garners hundreds of participants from over 20 countries each … [Read more...]
U.S. hog production: Rising output and changing trends in productivity growth
Opinion Consider a quick scan of the latest hog production report from USDA’s Economic Research Service. Beyond reading the simple summary <Link>, scan the full report introduction and conclusions <Link> to better understand how this animal health segment has met challenges and continued to thrive. The report shows productivity growth and structural change, … [Read more...]
Are these Zombie pigs or dead pigs?
Researchers have restored circulation and cellular activity in the vital organs of pigs, such as the heart and brain, one hour after the animals died. The findings aren’t yet clinically relevant, but the research raises ethical questions about the definition of death. Source: Nature, August 3, 2022. Link. INSIGHTS: Animal research continues to search for ways to improve … [Read more...]
Tips for controlling flies in livestock herds
Includes Commercial References Flies are a problem wherever you find them. For beef producers, there are four types that impact livestock herd health and productivity: houseflies, horn flies, stable flies and face flies. These are the same flies drawn to garbage, pet feces, roadkill, compost bins, backyard chicken coops and our outdoor activities that include food. Kansas … [Read more...]
Get ready! All livestock antibiotics will be prescription-only in 2023.
The clock is ticking. Start now to educate producers ahead of this important transition to livestock antibiotics being available by prescription-only status. The new rule covers injectable tylosin, injectable and intramammary penicillin, injectable and oral tetracycline, sulfadimethoxine and sulfamethazine, and cephapirin and cephapirin benzathine intramammary tubes. Also, … [Read more...]
Protecting the swine herd
Complimentary Commercial Content Companies serving the swine industry take pig health as seriously as producers. The resources and industry support they collectively provide is important to animal health, production profitability, food safety as well as many One Health concerns. We’re sharing a recent YouTube video from Boehringer Ingelheim Swine Health, U.S. We believe … [Read more...]
Impact of housing environment and management on pre-/post-weaning piglet productivity
Newborn piglets have limited energy reserves, poor ability to regulate their own body temperature and a high surface area to volume ratio. Factors in their environment such as temperature, humidity and drying time affects their first eight weeks of life. The summary shares livability perspectives including, farrowing, the creep area, transportation from farrowing and placement … [Read more...]
ASF moves in two distinct ways based on European incidence
Using European African Swine Fever historical data and spread patterns, Dennis DiPietre and Lance Mulberry hope to gain insight into the unique pathways, natural blocks and accelerated spread corridors within the U.S. In the EU, ASF moves in two distinct ways: The first case or two appear suddenly in an area with no discovered disease nearby. The disease gradually spreads … [Read more...]
A video trip inside a farrowing barn
Complimentary Content Biosecurity protocols appropriately restrict access to modern swine production facilities. But that also means there are fewer persons who experience what goes on in these production units. Educational programs like Dr. Dorman Asks seek to inform the public and provide a look at how pigs are produced for the animal protein market. In a recent edition … [Read more...]
Destructive, formidable, invasive: How is the U.S. managing the feral hog population?
. . . the feral hog is one of the most destructive, formidable invasive species in the U.S.” - U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service" Some 6 million feral hogs exist in the U.S. causing damages estimated at up to $2.5 billion. Beyond damages, the bigger concerns are zoonotic risks and the threat of African swine fever infecting the feral … [Read more...]