This long term study has demonstrated that a "one night" pig free downtime when combined with other biosecurity best management practices is effective in preventing the spread of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSv) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by personnel and fomites (boots and coveralls). The paper summarizes observations recorded over a 4-year (1438-day) period.Source :Pitkin A, Otake S, Dee S. A one-night downtime period prevents the spread of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae by personnel and fomites (boots and coveralls). J Swine Health Prod. 2011;19(6):345-348. read more
The University of Minnesota Swine Disease Eradication Center has published a PRRS Biosecurity Guide. It is very interesting to review this paper in light of the material that we are covering in the Canadian Swine Health Board National Biosecurity Program. read more
Pigs with scrotal hernias present some challenges at castration time. This set of instructional photos shows step by step how to use a taping technique developed by Mr. Bill MacDougald. The taping technique is a noninvasive method of creating a temporary truss for the hernia and allows the piglet's body to naturally heal the herniation in the majority of cases. read more
When collecting bacterial samples for an autogenous vaccine there are several sites within the pig's body that ideal for sampling. This step by step set of pictorial instructions demonstrate how a veterinarian would disect the carcass and take the samples. There are few ungloved hands in this set of picture and we would advise that gloves should be worn at all times as some of these organisms can be potential zoonotic infection. read more
PigTrace Canada Manifest Available
PigTrace Canada has developed an electronic reporting tool called the PigTrace Canada Manifest. When the proposed regulations become mandatory, this automated tool will allow data to be reported directly to PigTrace by the site operator with a minimum of reporting errors. The manifest is a writeable PDF which allows users to save and print the document as necessary. Fields which will be required by proposed regulations are highlighted making it simple for the user to know what information is necessary in order to achieve full compliance. The currently proposed swine traceability regulations will require that a minimum amount of information must accompany shipments of pigs or carcasses from one premise to another. Although the current commercial manifests may fulfill all traceability requirements, PigTrace Canada recommends that you review your documentation now in order to ensure that all necessary data is being recorded and captured in your own records. The PigTrace Canada manifest is currently located on the PigTrace Canada website at www.pigtrace.ca under Documents and Resources.
Source: Ontario Pork Daily News Brief Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Euthanasia Action Plan and Example Form
Part of the Animal Care Assessment program involves developing and communicating a farm specific Eutanasia Action Plan. The American Association of Swine Veterinarians has developed a set of forms that can be used to guide the development and communicaiton of this plan. Included here are some examples. read more