I know you will be interested in reading this issue of the Journal of Swine Health and Production (JSHAP). This final issue of 2015 is a solid example of the diversity of applied topics that JSHAP brings to our swine library. A particular note of interest is that this issue contains a peer-reviewed commentary, “Elimination of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from breed-to-wean farms: A review of current protocols with emphasis on herd closure and medication,” by Holst et al.1 The peer-reviewed commentary is a special genre that JSHAP offers which allows authors to infuse some opinion (supported with references) into their manuscript. This genre goes beyond the typical literature review, as usually more opinion is blended into the message, but, as I mentioned, supported by the literature. The peer-reviewed commentary is a very challenging manuscript to write, as is it to review, often with multiple versions and edits required. We do not get many submissions in this category and this is likely because of the time commitment and work involved. So I would like to acknowledge the authors and reviewers for their dedication to this manuscript. I also encourage other authors to consider submitting a peer-reviewed commentary, and if you have any questions about the process or topics, please do not hesitate to contact the journal office.
I really enjoyed this issue as well due to the contributions from the authors of the other papers. The brief communication “Experimental inoculation of neonatal piglets with feed naturally contaminated with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus” by Pillatzki et al,2 and the original research manuscript “Evaluation of disinfection protocols to reduce virus transmission via livestock transport vehicles using model trailers in experimental conditions” by Schneider et al3 both bring valuable contributions to our knowledge about these two important pathogens: porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Additionally, the original research manuscript “Depletion of bromadiolone in tissues of hogs following oral exposure” by Enouri et al4 fills a gap in our knowledge about the persistence of bromadiolone in hog tissues following ingestion – a critically important food-safety issue.
As some of you know, JSHAP recently applied to be indexed with Medline at the National Library of Medicine. Unfortunately, our application was declined. I was feeling pretty blue about this disappointing news and then I re-read some previous issues and this particular issue again, which cheered me up instantly. Look at the strength of the contributions that all previous and current JSHAP authors and reviewers have made to our (inter)national swine library. I feel so fortunate to be associated with such a fine network of dedicated swine researchers, reviewers, industry partners, and veterinarians.
I will leave you to enjoy this issue.
References
1. Holst S, Yeske P, Pieters M. Elimination of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from breed-to-wean farms: A review of current protocols with emphasis on herd closure and medication. J. Swine Health Prod. 2015;23:321-330.
2. Pillatzki AE, Gauger PC, Madson DM, Burrough ER, Zhang J, Chen Q, Magstadt DR, Arruda PHE, Stevenson GW, Yoon KJ. Experimental inoculation of neonatal piglets with feed naturally contaminated with porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. J Swine Health Prod. 2015;23:317-320.
3. Schneider PT, Zhang J, Ramirez A, Wang C, Holtkamp D. Evaluation of disinfection protocols to reduce virus transmission via livestock transport vehicles using model trailers in experimental conditions. J. Swine Health Prod. 2015;23:306-316.
4. Enouri S, Dekroon D, Friendship R, Schrier N, Dowling PM, Johnson R. Depletion of bromodiolone in tissues of hogs following oral exposure. J Swine Health Prod. 2015;23:298-305.
Terri O’Sullivan, DVM, PhD Executive Editor