Category Archives: Animal Health

The Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC) October Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report is available. This month’s Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report now includes the Ohio Animal Disease and Diagnostic Laboratory (OH ADDL) joining the network. A similar overall level of detection for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and enteric coronavirus occurred when compared to August. Even though the levels of detection were similar, a trend for an increase in detection of PRRSV and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in the age category wean-to-market was observed in September. In the podcast, the SDRS team welcomes, and hosts talk with, the OH ADDL team.

Rapid response to animal health emergencies has prompted the creation of a new veterinary toxicology training program at Kansas State University. A $248,000 U.S. Department of Agriculture grant will enhance the ability of researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine to answer calls for help. [Source: National Hog Farmer 30 September 2021]

In partnership with Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health USA Inc., Pipestone Research has provided a rapid response to bring science-based answers to managing the emergence of PRRSV 144. Based on field observations from practitioners and producers, stating that, “This is the worst strain of PRRSV ever,” “Vaccines don’t work anymore”, and “Biosecurity protocols are ineffective,” the team determined that immediate action was needed.

The atypical porcine pestivirus (APPV) fact sheet has been updated in the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) Swine Disease Fact Sheet Library. As part of SHIC’s mission to protect the health of the US swine herd, providing guidance and resources for producers, practitioners, and diagnosticians who are on the front lines of swine health concerns is an ongoing effort. This updated APPV fact sheet captures the latest information available on this swine health concern.

The Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC) September Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report is available. This month’s Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report shows that a moderate decrease on the overall porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the PRRSV RFLP 1-4-4 L1C variant strain was observed. Even though a lowering in the detection of enteric coronavirus occurred, similar to July detection for porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) in the age category wean-to-market was observed in August. A moderate increase in the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by PCR and signals on the disease diagnosis monitoring were identified. In the podcast, the SDRS hosts talk with Dr. John Deen, University of Minnesota, about his experience on animal health management, control, and how to intervene to improve sows’ longevity. The bonus page provided by Dr. Holtkamp, Iowa State University, brings international benchmarking of key performance indicators in pork production.

A dead pig was submitted to the South Dakota State University Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (SDSU-ADRDL) in October 2020 for diagnostic testing. Moderate enteritis, hepatitis, and visceral edema along with hemolytic E. Coli were discovered as well as porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2). Later, viral metagenomic sequencing was performed on archived lung tissue for an unrelated research project. Unexpectedly, canine parvovirus 2 (CPV2) was also identified. This finding led SDSU-ADRDL staff to ask for support from the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) to study spillover of the virus from the canine species to swine; the investigation has begun. The specific goal of this project is to investigate the epidemiology of CPV2 in pigs and evaluate its pathogenesis in a colostrum deprived pig model.

The burden of PRRS in the U.S. swine industry continues as the industry faces yearly outbreaks in both breeding and growing pig herds generating frustration among stakeholders. Questions regarding further needs to efficiently control and prevent this virus continue to be raised. Even though current knowledge has clearly proved to have bridged the gap from a prevention and control perspective, the virus continues to strike back. Therefore, conducting a short survey to gather opinions on pieces of information lacking as well as attitudes to control and eliminate the virus are warranted. Please provide your opinion by taking a thirteen-question survey developed by the AASV PRRS Task Force. The PRRS Task Force would like to be inclusive so if you are a practitioner, producer, production director or are in academia, we would like to hear from you. Please share your opinion: Understanding U.S. swine practitioner, producer and production managers attitudes and perceptions in relation to PRRSV control and elimination

An updated fact sheet on porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) has been posted on the Swine Health Information Center (SHIC) website containing the latest information available. PCV3 is a newly detected pathogen of swine. Although most cases have been detected subclinically, PCV3 is also associated with clinical signs similar to those caused by porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2). Individual case definitions have been proposed for PCV3-associated reproductive disease and systemic disease to standardize diagnostic criteria. Work continues at veterinary diagnostic labs (VDLs) where a case definition is being developed. The VDLs are collecting clinical signalment from practitioners who have a PCV3 diagnosis in clients’ herds and are combining it with diagnostic test result qualifications. When this work is finished, communicated in the industry, and generally accepted, SHIC will then move on research priorities and needs. Research will further characterize the clinical and economic outcomes of a PCV3 diagnosis. Case definition completion and beginning of research are expected yet in 2021. Fact sheet updates are part of SHIC’s mission to protect the health of the US swine herd, providing guidance and resources for producers, practitioners, and diagnosticians who are on the front lines of swine health concerns is paramount.

The Swine Health Information Center’s (SHIC) August Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report is available. This month’s Domestic Swine Disease Monitoring Report shows a moderate decrease on the overall detection of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and the PRRSV RFLP 1-4-4 L1C variant strain. As expected by the forecasting models, there was lowering in the detection of enteric coronaviruses and a moderate increase in the detection of M. hyopneumoniae by PCR. There were also signals on the disease diagnosis for Mhp, based on diagnostic codes assigned by veterinary diagnosticians. Signals were also observed E. coli and salmonellas diagnosis. In the podcast, Drs. Trevisan, Magalhaes, and Linhares talk about PRRSV surveillance, management, control, and how to intervene to improve animal health.

The burden of PRRS in the U.S. swine industry continues as the industry faces yearly outbreaks in both breeding and growing pig herds generating frustration among stakeholders. Questions regarding further needs to efficiently control and prevent this virus continue to be raised. Even though current knowledge has clearly proved to have bridged the gap from a prevention and control perspective, the virus continues to strike back. Therefore, conducting a short survey to gather opinions on pieces of information lacking as well as attitudes to control and eliminate the virus are warranted. Please provide your opinion by taking a thirteen-question survey developed by the AASV PRRS Task Force. The PRRS Task Force would like to be inclusive so if you are a practitioner, producer, production director or are in academia, we would like to hear from you. Please share your opinion: Understanding U.S. swine practitioner, producer and production managers attitudes and perceptions in relation to PRRSV control and elimination