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No. 1 biosecurity lesson: Never stop improving
The first lesson of biosecurity, according to Andrea Pitkin, DVM, health assurance veterinarian for PIC, is to learn, modify and adapt because new threats can surface at any time.
Researchers tackle survivability issues head-on
One in three pigs born on US farms fail to reach market, according to Jason Ross, PhD, a professor of animal physiology at Iowa State University and director of the Iowa Pork Industry Center.
Mycoplasma elimination possible, but more difficult on farrow-to-finish sites
With the right program in place, eliminating mycoplasma pneumonia is possible on many hog farms.
Larger litters, more competition for colostrum make pigs more susceptible to clostridial enteritis
By Daniel A. Nelson, PhD,
Senior nutritionist, pork technical services,
Zoetis
Sow pads show promise for reducing shoulder sores, related infections
During farrowing and lactation, sows can easily develop shoulder sores, which in turn become infected. Could a little padding help?
Population-based diagnostics pinpoint the power in numbers
The world of diagnostics is expanding. Instead of focusing on individual animals, population-based diagnostics help veterinarians and producers identify the health status of their barns more quickly and efficiently.
Rate of PCV2 recombination not widely recognized
TOOLBOX, Issue 16: An interview with Meggan Bandrick, DVM, PhD Associate Director, Global Biologics Research, Zoetis
Processing fluids’ effectiveness in monitoring PCV2 in sow herds
Vaccines have provided effective control options for PCV2, but vertical transmission remains a challenge for some farms.
Steps to mitigate cross-contamination of piglet processing fluids with PRRS MLV
As piglets move from the sow farm to the growing stage, it’s important to know their porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) status.
Phase I of pelvic organ prolapse study offers new insights
A pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is a dramatic, easy-to-identify event within the farrowing room. The difficult part is figuring out the cause and applying a solution.
On the road again? Be careful not to pig out
Swine veterinarians putting in long days on the road caring for pigs should be just as cognizant of their own health and nutritional needs.
Impact of control options for Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis
Helping piglets make a smooth transition at weaning is always a priority, but bacterial pathogens such as Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis can make that goal particularly challenging.
Maintaining performance in growing pigs despite production stress
TOOLBOX, Issue 10: An interview with Daniel Nelson, PhD, PAS, Senior Swine Nutritionist, Zoetis
Does PRRS influence weaned pigs’ nutritional response?
In the past 30 years, the growth and body composition of US market hogs has changed dramatically, but the same cannot be said for dietary vitamin and mineral levels.
Pork industry makes progress on pain management
Pain management for pigs has always been a challenge, partly because it’s difficult to measure levels of pain and partly because there are no FDA-approved drugs labeled for pain management in pigs.
Davies: Focus on optimizing antibiotic use, not volume
The US pork industry has a good track record for using antibiotics responsibly, but how should it be graded for its efforts? By volume? Types of antibiotics used? Resistance trends?
Optimizing nutrition key to unlocking full benefits of immunocastration
An alternative technique to physical castration could offer US hog producers a host of financial and management benefits.
Feed-mill biosecurity critical to reducing disease transmission
Feed and feed ingredients are generating a lot of interest as possible vectors in transmitting swine diseases.
Emerging technologies at AASV: Four new tools to boost efficiency
Between tight margins and constant herd-health challenges, pork producers are always looking for new ways to increase efficiencies and profits while also increasing transparency.
Imported feed ingredients: Supplier’s sourcing, biosecurity, shipping vital to product integrity, safety
Brian Payne, DVM, technical services veterinarian at Zoetis, recently talked with editors of Pig Health Today about African swine fever (ASF) and the possible risks of importing the virus through feed ingredients.
AVMA releases first-ever guidelines for depopulation of animals
The AVMA has published its first ever Guidelines for the Depopulation of Animals to help veterinarians support animal welfare in situations where the difficult decision to depopulate has been made.