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Molecular diagnostic tools help distinguish wild-type and vaccine strains of PRRSV
Challenges associated with controlling porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) have resulted in the increased use of molecular diagnostic tests and sequencing.
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New approaches to influenza control look promising
Influenza-A virus of swine (IAV-S) is a thorn in the side of US pork producers, and it’s a difficult thorn to remove. If the virus were more pathogenic, veterinarians and producers would probably...
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Understanding which farm factors drive Influenza infection
US producers and veterinarians have seen an influx of different types of influenza viruses in the last 10 to 15 years, and that is a major reason why influenza is more difficult to control.
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Research confirms co-circulation of multiple influenza strains
Influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S) is increasingly challenging for US producers, primarily because the epidemiology of IAV-S involves a highly diverse pool of viruses.
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African swine fever, PRRS among hot topics at 2021 Leman Conference
Organizers are excited to hold the 2021 Allen D. Leman Swine Conference in-person as well as virtually, on Sept. 18-21 in St. Paul, Minnesota.
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Scientific foundation explains efficacy of Excede® for Swine against SRD pathogens
DISCOVERIES, Issue 22: A robust body of research explains the efficacy of Excede® for Swine (ceftiofur crystalline free acid) against four of the bacterial pathogens associated with swine...
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Testing feed-storage time and temperature to reduce virus survival risk
Swine viruses have been shown to hitch a ride in feed and feed ingredients, thereby increasing the infection risk. To address this, the swine industry has applied a range of mitigation techniques.
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Sundberg: Ramping up African swine fever preparedness and prevention
US producers have seen the devastating impact of African swine fever (ASF) in other countries. The ultimate goal is to keep it out of this country, so industry groups are ramping up preparedness and...
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Study sheds light on antimicrobial use in US wean-to-market pigs
The findings of a recent study show it’s feasible to obtain data on antimicrobial use while keeping information confidential.
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Processing fluids provide an option to monitor PCV2 and PCVAD
Effective PCV2 control relies on vaccination of healthy pigs before they become infected. This goal cannot be accomplished in unstable herds whose sows give birth to viremic pigs.
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Gut microorganisms linked to PRRS vaccination success
Scientists have found that tiny microorganisms in the gut may help improve outcomes for pigs vaccinated against PRRSV in the face of viral respiratory challenge, suggesting a role for the microbiome...
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Study demonstrates farm-to-fork benefits of immunological estrus suppression in market gilts
A new study reveals that market gilts grow better and produce more meat that is more palatable to consumers when treated with a vaccine that temporarily delays puberty.
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Iowa scientist sees ‘a lot of genetic diversity’ in swine influenza viruses
According to research, swine influenza A viruses have become more complicated in recent years. There is a great deal of diversity within the influenza virus.
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Inadequate iron supplements lead to subclinical anemia in young pigs
A field trial evaluating iron supplementation for baby pigs found the typical 200 mg iron shot at birth is not enough.
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Three ways to assess your herd’s ‘positive welfare state’
The “Five Freedoms” have been the foundation for establishing sound animal welfare practices since they were developed in 1965. Now, more than 50 years later, researchers have additional tools...
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Decontamination protocols fail to disinfect incoming hog supplies
Biosecurity protocols are critical to keeping the US hog herd healthy, and one of the regular tasks is to disinfect a wide range of supplies entering the farm, but how effective are those protocols?
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Can the processing-fluid toolbox expand beyond PRRS?
Piglet processing fluids have been shown to be a practical, time-efficient and affordable diagnostic tool for PRRS, and some indications suggest that PCV2 offers promise as well.
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Feed mitigants offer positive production and virus protection results
For the past 18 months Scott Dee, DVM, director of research at Pipestone Veterinary Services, has been investigating whether feed mitigants can protect against the transmission of certain swine...
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Pen-side diagnostic comparisons for nursed-off sows and fallback pigs
For both the sow and piglet, an animal that does not perform to its potential or falls behind its counterparts will negatively impact the sow farm’s productivity and profitability.
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Comparing diagnostic sampling prospects from M. hyo-positive-source boar studs
Many sow farms have undergone M. hyo elimination within their breeding herd, which makes it critical to understand the potential transmission risk from boar studs.
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Comparing PCV2 gilt vaccination protocols and progeny status
Porcine circovirus type 2 is the principal etiological agent of porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD), which can cost producers an estimated $3 to $4 per pig.
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Automatic foggers fall short in disinfecting hog-farm supplies
Preventing fomites from carrying pathogens into hog farms is a daily biosecurity priority, but how effective are typical disinfection protocols?
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Diagnostic experts: PCV3 is common in US swine herds
PCV3 was first reported in 2016, but appears to have been present in swine populations decades prior to that time. PCV3 strains are similar to one another but are very different from PCV2.
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Outmaneuvering PRRSV requires a better understanding of genetic diversity
PRRSV is constantly evolving, resulting in an extremely diverse virus with multiple lineages, but building a better understanding of that genetic diversity is the next step to making real progress...
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PRRSV vaccine produces robust and lasting immune response when given to day-old piglets
A new study shows that piglets can mount a strong, specific and lasting immune response to PRRSV when vaccinated at 1 day of age.
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Researchers expand understanding of virus transmission in feed
As African swine fever virus continues to march across the globe, the US pork sector is laser focused on keeping it from reaching the homeland.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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PRRS in growing pigs linked to sow outbreaks
Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) in growing pigs may play an important role in PRRS outbreaks among sow herds.
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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.
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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.
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Emerging technologies at AASV: Three cool tools headed to hog farms
The so-called Internet of Things — that emerging world in which everyday tools like thermostats and doorbells suddenly become indispensable smart devices — is not lost on the pork industry.
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Producer priorities drive NPB swine-health research
There’s no shortage of swine-health issues that would benefit from research investment, but when it comes to allocating Pork Checkoff funds, producers make the decisions.
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Researchers create algorithm to predict PEDV outbreaks
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed an algorithm that could give pig farms advance notice of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) outbreaks.
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17 years of detective work, shared experiences helping pork industry get ahead of PRRS
The evolution of knowledge about PRRS is now enabling pork producers and their veterinarians to make headway combatting this difficult and costly disease.
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‘Nuts n’ tails’ fluid testing is promising, practical method of PRRSV monitoring
Testing fluids obtained from routine castration and tail-docking procedures looks to be a promising, practical and affordable way to improve monitoring for PRRSV.
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Employee training improves piglet-survival rates
An employee-training program focused on online training followed by tracked, in-barn verification experiences helped a start-up farm achieve top piglet-survival rates, according to a study.
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Tips for successful oral-fluid sampling for PRRSV
Oral-fluid sampling is an easy way to detect PRRSV or track changes in PRRSV infections in populations — and it can optimize your survey efforts by keeping a few simple tips in mind.
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Scientists genetically engineer PRRS-resistant pigs
Scientists in Scotland have discovered a way to genetically engineer pigs to be resistant to one of the mostly costly livestock diseases in the world.
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Modified-live vaccines ‘by far’ most effective tool for combatting PRRS
Modified-live vaccines are “by far” the most effective tool the industry currently has to control PRRSV, said Jay Calvert, PhD, research director, Global Biologicals Research, Zoetis.
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PCR falls short in monitoring PRRSV transport biosecurity
Transport biosecurity is a growing priority as evidence shows that contaminated livestock trailers are a significant risk in spreading viruses between herds.
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Swine Health Monitoring Project expanding but needs more industry participants
The Swine Health Monitoring Project continues to expand but ultimately needs data from 90% of the industry to reach its long-term goal of supporting the response to emerging pathogens, said the late...
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Semi-annual report indicates progress combatting PRRSV
Producers and veterinarians have reduced the impact of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) by more than $83 million over the past 6 years, according to a semi-annual study...
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Urine sampling can reliably detect penicillin residues in sows
Urine sampling is a reliable way to detect procaine penicillin G (PPG) residues prior to processing and may help producers avoid processing-plant violations, according to Locke A. Karriker, DVM, a...
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Accurate Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae diagnosis challenging but essential
The diagnosis of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo) infection remains challenging but can be made with confidence when a systematic approach is applied and the clinical picture aligns with laboratory...
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How 50 swine vets plan to manage seasonal respiratory disease in the new VFD era
For as long as any pork producer can remember, fall’s arrival traditionally was a signal to add a respiratory antibiotic to the grower-finisher rations or, at the very least, pulse feed a...
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Virtual clinic drives better understanding of disease outbreaks
A virtual veterinary clinic that monitors pig-disease trends and provides an early alert system for diagnostic laboratories and swine practitioners is helping the US pork industry stay head of...
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Urine-sampling options make it easier to evaluate gilt and sow health
Urine samples are an effective but underutilized diagnostic tool for evaluating the nutritional, physiological and health status of gilts and sows.
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Taking oral-fluid samples for PRRS: How many and when?
Oral-fluid sampling can provide a simple, reliable way to surveil for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), Marisa Rotolo, DVM, of Iowa State University, reported at the 2017...
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Scientists aim to breed out sow aggression
Scientists at Michigan State University (MSU) are hoping to help pig producers improve herd welfare thanks to a $1 million project aimed at finding ways to breed out sow aggression.
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Currently available vaccines important tools for managing PEDV-infected sow herds
Currently available vaccines can be important tools for managing sow herds endemically infected with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV).
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PEDV and other pathogens survive in feed for weeks
In 2013-2014, infection of pig farms with PEDV was a frequent event, even in farms using the highest level of biosecurity. In an effort to determine how this could happen, Scott Dee, DVM, began...
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Survey identifies gaps in employee biosecurity practices
For biosecurity to be effective, everyone working within the farm needs to understand and comply with the defined protocols. In reality, a person’s attitude can make or break the outcome, so it’s...
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Feed biosecurity must address risk of PEDV transmission
The biosecurity of swine feed is important for producing healthy animals and safe pork. But until 2013, feed was considered a low-risk vehicle for transmitting viral pathogens to swine.
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Reproductive performance linked to live-weight and back-fat gains
Paying closer attention to both sow live weight and back-fat depth could help farmers improve reproductive performance in breeding herds, scientists report.
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Routes of Senecavirus A transmission identified in breeding herds
A study of the way swine breeding herds were likely infected with Senecavirus A (SVA) underscores the importance of encouraging adherence to biosecurity procedures.
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Sow parity has no effect on incidence and timing of influenza in piglets
Sow parity appears to have no effect on the incidence and timing of influenza infection in piglets, indicates a study presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Association of Swine...
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Colostrum may be best sample for PCV2 on sow farms
Colostrum may be the best sample to test for determining whether porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is present in sow herds, according to researchers at Iowa State University (ISU).
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Study piglet behavior to improve chances of early survival
Encouraging farm staff to study piglets’ movement after farrowing could help them better identify weak animals, take action and improve early survival odds, scientists say.
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Formula sheds light on disease risk
Understanding the transmission route of a disease pathogen, how long it’s infective, its survivability in the environment and routes of infection all build the foundation for creating effective...
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PEDV outbreaks prompt a ‘CSI Pipestone’ investigation
When PEDV devastated the US hog industry in 2013, the Pipestone System remained fairly unscathed, with only a couple of farms experiencing outbreaks. Their luck changed in January 2014.
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Updated PRRS research book now available online
A new guide on managing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is now available online from the National Pork Board.
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Iowa veterinarian sees benefits to early PRRS vaccination
It takes 3 to 4 weeks for pigs to develop immunity against PRRSV after vaccination with a modified-live vaccine, so vaccinating early gives them the time they need to develop immunity by nursery age,...
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Flushing feed mill with treated rice hulls reduces PEDV risk
The porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) taught swine veterinarians and producers many hard lessons about feed management. Not only can the deadly virus be transported by feed ingredients, PEDV...
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Unloading docks at processing plants appear to be source of PRRSV
Unloading docks at processing plants may be one way that livestock trailers become contaminated with porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV).
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Effective biosecurity requires multiple layers
Most hog farms have some level of biosecurity in place today, but simply outlining protocols doesn’t mean they’re effective.
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Disinfectant effective against PEDV in freezing conditions
Contaminated hog trailers are now known to be partially responsible for spreading the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in 2013 as it emerged in the US.
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Oropharyngeal swabs offer alternative for PRRSV diagnosis in wean-age pigs
Taking oropharyngeal swabs — that is, samples from the tonsils — appears to be an effective alternative means for detecting PRRSV in wean-age pigs, especially when the prevalence of infection is...
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Proposed classification system to improve M. hyo control tested in commercial setting
By Lucina Galina Pantoja, DVM, PhD, Director, swine technical services, Zoetis
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Commonly used disinfectants can vary widely in efficacy
Commonly used disinfectants can have substantially different efficacy and should be tested against the pathogen of concern — and under the conditions of use — before they’re used on swine...
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Snout wipes shown to be practical, efficient method for detecting swine influenza A
Snout wipes are a practical and efficient method of detecting influenza A virus in swine (IAV-S), according to a study presented at the 2017 annual meeting of the American Association of Swine...
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Piglet pain control during castration still needs answers
Castrating male piglets to prevent boar taint at market age is a common occurrence on US hog farms. However, as consumer interest in on-farm practices and animal welfare grows, producers will need...
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