A project funded by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) will develop understanding of the prevalence and phylogenetic relationships of porcine parvovirus (PPV) infections in swine farms.
Author Archives: Paul Sundberg
SHIC/AASV Webinar Series: Seeking Your Input
The Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) jointly sponsor a webinar series on swine health “industry chatter” topics. With almost all industry meetings either canceled or gone virtual, the opportunity to talk in person with colleagues about issues affecting health has diminished greatly. So having a new opportunity for conversation is helpful. The next webinar, topic to be determined, is scheduled for December 10, 2020, at 10:00 am CST. SHIC and AASV would like your input on what topic to address!
SHIC/AASV Webinar Gives Specifics on Lameness Experiences, Management, and Diagnosis
Lameness and arthritis management were the subject of a webinar sponsored by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) on October 13, 2020. Recordings of the webinar are available here.
SHIC Convenes Working Group to Review UVC Best Practices for Bio-Exclusion on the Farm
A Swine Health Information Center (SHIC)-funded working group report on ultraviolet light, a type of electromagnetic energy invisible to humans, provides guidance on how it can be used on farms to exclude pathogens from being introduced into a herd, a process known as bio-exclusion. When utilized and maintained properly, UVC light germicidal chambers can be an effective component of comprehensive biosecurity programs. However, proper construction and use of the chambers is necessary to obtain the full benefit UVC bio-exclusion. Ensure UVC lights are working properly to provide the intensity of light exposure or dose necessary to inactivate the micro-organism. Place items for maximum exposure in the chamber and time in a way the light can impact all surfaces of the items. In addition, safety should be a top priority when utilizing UVC chambers. The working group involved in this project examined UVC properties, related equipment, practices, and pathogens resulting in best practices for use of ultraviolet light for bio-exclusion on the farm.
SHIC-Funded Study Looks at Forecasting PEDV Outbreaks
Research funded by the Swine Health Information Center at North Carolina State University shows it is possible to develop accurate forecasts of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) spread within a decision-making timeframe. Results also show predictability of this forecasting depends on the stage of the spread within the region. By forecasting outbreaks before they occur, specific control strategies can be tailored to farms, thereby offering an opportunity to prevent infection.
SHIC/AASV Webinar on October 13 to Address Uptick in Lameness
In response to a recent increase in submissions related to swine lameness at veterinary diagnostic labs (VDLs) in Iowa and Minnesota, the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) are sponsoring another in a series of industry chatter-inspired webinars on October 13, 2020, beginning at 1:00 pm CT.
SHIC/AASV Webinar on October 13 to Address Uptick in Lameness
Veterinary diagnostic labs (VDLs) at Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota both report an increase in submissions related to swine lameness. This industry chatter prompted a webinar sponsored by the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) and American Association of Swine Veterinarians (AASV) set for October 13, 2020, beginning at 1:00 pm CT.
SHIC Adds New Sapovirus and PRV PCRs to Diagnostic Capabilities
Two new PCR tests have been added to the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Diagnostic Assay Catalog. A highly sensitive and specific RT-PCR for detecting porcine sapovirus (SaV) genotype III for neonatal diarrhea investigation and a single-tube triplex real-time PCR (RT-PCR) assay for differential detection of variant strains of pseudorabies virus (PRV), including the Chinese high path strain, gives diagnosticians previously unavailable valuable tools. Each is now available to all veterinary diagnostic labs for use and fits with SHIC’s mission to make sure the US swine industry is prepared for emerging diseases.
SHIC, AASV, NPB and NPPC Engaged in Feral Swine Disease Management Effort
This year, USDA estimates there are 6 million feral swine in the US creating issues for traditional livestock production, natural resources, and other species. To address these ongoing issues, including domestic and foreign disease surveillance priorities of feral swine, USDA convened a technical working group consisting of swine industry representatives, state and federal animal health officials, university, and wildlife experts, including Dr. Paul Sundberg, executive director of the Swine Health Information Center. Dr. Harry Snelson, American Association of Swine Veterinarians, Dr. Dave Pyburn and Dr. Patrick Webb, National Pork Board, Dr. Liz Wagstrom, National Pork Producers Council and Bobby Acord, a consultant with the National Pork Producers Council, also participated. The published review and recommendations report was a collaborative effort between USDA and the other groups for the purpose of addressing the feral swine threat to domestic swine health.
SHIC/AASV Webinar Addresses Coccidiosis Management Following Rise in Diagnoses
In the Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC’s) August 2020 Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report, there was a significant increase (signal) in diagnoses of coccidiosis observed from June 27 to July 11, per submissions to the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab. This unexpected increase in activity prompted development of a webinar for pork producers, practitioners, academicians, and other stakeholders on coccidiosis management, sponsored by SHIC and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians.