SVC News

As news of Iowa’s VCPR changes have come into action, many producers have been left wondering what that means for their operations. What constitutes a VCPR in my state? Why do I need one? How do I know if my VCPR is valid? Can I use telemedicine for this purpose? These are all questions we have heard in the last year.

Thermal stress can affect swine performance at both ends of the thermometer, especially in northern climates such as Minnesota, the Dakotas and Iowa.

Many successful truck wash operations utilize an internal audit system where someone is responsible for monitoring processes as trucks and trailers move through the wash, according to Dr. Erin Kettelkamp with the Swine Vet Center.

Many successful truck wash operations utilize an internal audit system where someone is responsible for monitoring processes as trucks and trailers move through the wash, according to Dr. Erin Kettelkamp with the Swine Vet Center.

The hot, humid days of summer often bring the challenge of coccidiosis in pre-weaned piglets in the farrowing barn, but that challenge has now become more prevalent year-round, according to Dr. Laura Bruner with the Swine Vet Center in St. Peter, Minn.

While biosecurity remains the best option for managing Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (APP) outbreaks in swine finishing barns, the recent APP outbreaks in the Midwest has spotlighted biosecurity gaps in this phase of production, according to Swine Vet Center veterinarian Dr. Ethan Spronk.

Herd closures to eliminate porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) are on the increase due in part to the virulent variant identified as PRRS 1-4-4 L1C.

During winter, swine facilities usually operate at minimum-ventilation rates. But if those rates aren’t correct, high humidity and excess gases will build up leading to increased disease and reduced growth rates.

All types of supplies and equipment enter a hog farm, putting the operation at risk of a disease outbreak. Improved biosecurity protocols with layering help minimize the risks, reported Erin Kettelkamp, DVM, Swine Vet Center.

Changes to a piglet’s gut brought on by weaning may allow rotavirus an opportunity to cause some issues with scours, according to Ross Kiehne, DVM, Swine Vet Center.

The biggest issue facing most hog farms today is a shortage of workers, according to Laura Bruner, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.

Hog farmers and veterinarians no longer have to accept the poorer performance that results from M. hyo infection. Whether the decision is to control or eliminate M. hyo, there are numerous tools available, and the payoff is real.

Regular biosecurity checks with a close look at filtration and ventilation systems will help prevent the spread of airborne pathogens like PRRS, according to Jeff Feder, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.

The new Swine Health Improvement Program is designed to help the pork industry maintain exports in the face of a foreign animal disease outbreak.

New gilts entering a farrowing room face some big demands for animals still maturing while supporting their first litters.

The latest disease outbreaks fueled by new disease variants are good reminders that the best biosecurity plans must include strategies to keep disease contained within a barn as well as ways to prevent new disease outbreaks.

A strong weaned-pig market this summer indicates the magnitude of the PRRS 1-4-4 variant outbreak in the US pork industry.

Sow reproductive performance drops off in the summer, and this year will be no different, according to Paul Yeske, DVM, Swine Vet Center, St. Peter, Minnesota.

Hog producers discouraged to learn foggers don’t fully disinfect a supply room should not close the door on the biosecurity method yet. New research spearheaded by Erin Kettelkamp, DVM, with Swine Vet Center, found a better solution.

The virulent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) variant identified as PRRS 1-4-4 continues its destructive march through hog farms, even in the heat of summer.