With fair season in full swing, now is a good time to review your biosecurity plan. Some fairs and exhibitions may require health papers that list specific vaccines, such as for influenza, and may require targeted health testing, such as for Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus.
“For many people, youth livestock exhibitions at fairs are their only interaction with livestock,” said Jodi Sterle, a pork producer and an animal science professor at Iowa State University. “It’s important that all swine exhibitors follow proper biosecurity procedures to keep their animals healthy.”
As part of your biosecurity plan, work with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate vaccination schedule and testing needs for your pig.
Steps to consider prior to going to a show include:
- Complete all training and paperwork needed for the show in a timely manner (i.e. Youth PQA Plus®).
- Make sure that your pig meets the specific show requirements for your local, county, state or national show (identification, vaccinations, health papers, etc.).
- Take only clean and disinfected equipment to the show to prevent any potential pathogen transfer from your pig to another.
- Bring adequate supplies so you won’t have to borrow or share equipment to prevent getting a disease from other pigs.
- Never bring an unhealthy animal to a show, fair or exhibition.
- Evaluate your pig’s health on a daily basis prior to the show. Is your pig eating normally? Is it coughing, “thumping” or having trouble breathing? Does your pig have a fever or loose stools?
These steps are outlined in the Pork Checkoff’s newly revised booklet, A Champions Guide to Youth Swine Exhibition: Biosecurity and Your Pig Project. Visit the Pork Store on pork.org or call (800) 456-7675 for this and other materials for exhibitors.
“Good biosecurity starts with knowing what steps to take at the farm, at the show and when returning home to reduce unnecessary health risks to people and pigs,” said Lisa Becton, DVM, director of swine health information and research for the Pork Checkoff. “The Checkoff will continue to create new ways to help everyone involved in showing pigs do their part to help keep our industry healthy and growing like champions.”
For more information, contact Lisa Becton at LBecton@pork.org or at (515) 223-2791.
Source: Pork Leader, June 27, 2013