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Amass SF. 1999;5:217-228 Biosecurity considerations for pork pro

   

Literature review

September and October, 1999

Biosecurity considerations for pork production units

Sandra F. Amass, DVM, PhD, dipl ABVP; L. Kirk Clark, DVM, PhD

SFA, LKC: Purdue University, 1248 Lynn, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1248, email:amasss@vet.purdue.edu

Amass SF, Clark LK. Biosecurity considerations for pork production units. Swine Health Prod. 7(5);217-228.

This article is available as an Adobe Acrobat PDF file [136k] for better printing.

Erratum

Cleaning and disinfection, Vesicular exanthema virus, page 225: The disinfectants that inactivate this virus were reported in error. The correct information follows:

Blackwell93 reported VEV was inactivated after 2 minutes of exposure to 0.1% sodium hypochlorite, 2% sodium metasilicate, 5% sodium carbonate, 2% sodium hydroxide, 2% citric acid, 5% acetic acid, and 5% phenol.

Summary

This paper summarizes and critiques the peer-reviewed literature concerning biosecurity considerations in the pork industry. Manuscripts concerning source of genetic material and segregation procedures were examined to address the risks of introduction of new genetics. Other biosecurity risks reviewed include transmission of pathogens by aerosol, birds, insects, nonporcine animals, and vehicles; and pathogen survival in dead pigs, feed, manure, water, and soil. Many decisions regarding biosecurity protocols on pork production units are currently based on producer and veterinary experience and opinion, not on scientific research. Consequently, research is needed in many areas either to validate current protocols or to develop new scientifically sound biosecurity measures for the pork industry.

Keywords: biosecurity, pathogens, protocol, industry

Biosecurity, a relatively new word in our vocabulary, is not found in many dictionaries. Its broad meaning is the literal safety of live things, or the freedom from concern for sickness or disease. Saunders Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary (Blood DC, Studdert VP. Saunder’s Comprehensive Veterinary Dictionary. 2nd ed. London: WB Saunders, 1999;132) defines biosecurity as "security from transmission of infectious diseases, parasites, and pests." In this literature review, biosecurity is defined as the protection of a swine herd from the introduction of infectious agents (viral, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic).

Preventing the introduction of porcine pathogens into a swine herd is a continual challenge for pork producers and swine veterinarians. The easiest way to transmit porcine pathogens into a herd is to introduce infected pigs. However, biosecurity protocols must take into consideration a multitude of risks for pathogen introduction. The goal of this manuscript is to compile the current state of knowledge regarding biosecurity in the pork industry, and to identify areas that require further research.

Pathogen transmission among pigs

New technologies to enhance the health status of swine herds produce pigs lacking acquired immunity to many swine pathogens. The risk of introducing disease via new genetic material is increased in these immunologically naïve herds. The cost of introducing new genetic material is also increased due to the extra precautions that must be taken to prevent an epizootic. Genetic material can be introduced into a herd by purchasing semen or live breeding animals. No method of introducing genetic material precludes the possibility of transmitting disease from one herd to another. Thus, veterinarians should know the risks and options available to prevent disease entry.

Genetic material can be introduced into a herd in any of three ways:

Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) stock

Current peer-reviewed studies involving SPF stock were not found. Primary SPF animals were derived by hysterectomy. Meyer, et al.,1 reported that bacteria, fungi, pleuropneumonia-like organisms, viruses, and ascarids were not detected in 6-week-old hysterectomy-derived pigs reared in isolation. In 1955, Young, et al.,2 reported that cesarean-derived pigs were initially disease free, but not pathogen free. These pigs were referred to as "minimal disease" pigs, rather than "disease-free" pigs, when they were introduced into rearing facilities. In 1959, Young, et al.,3 reported that clinical signs of atrophic rhinitis and viral pig pneumonia were not observed in progeny of naturally farrowed dams obtained by hysterectomy. However, contemporary controls were not used in Young’s study. The authors of this review recommend that, because of their high-health status, minimal-disease SPF stock should be isolated and strategically vaccinated for diseases in the recipient herd to prevent development of clinical disease after they are introduced into the breeding herd.

Early weaned, age-segregated pigs

Clark, et al.,4 reported that weaning at 14 days of age followed by age-segregated rearing was sufficient to eliminate transfer of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, and in all but one case, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, to progeny of infected dams. Streptococcus suis and Haemophilus parasuis were not eliminated from these pigs. Transfer of pseudorabies virus (PRV, Aujeszky’s disease), but not porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), was prevented. The authors concluded that early weaning followed by age segregation procedures were sufficient to eliminate clinical signs of A. pleuropneumoniae, mycoplasmal pneumonia, and atrophic rhinitis. Elimination of viral disease was dependent on whether sows were shedding virus at or near farrowing. Bacteriologic findings were supported when Dritz, et al.,5 reported elimination of mycoplasmal pneumonia and A. pleuropneumoniae from pigs weaned at 7-10 days of age. Thus, there is evidence that using early weaned, age-segregated pigs to introduce genetic material has considerable merit in preventing the transfer of some pathogens to high-health herds.

Semen

Experimental addition of pathogen to semen

Porcine parvovirus. Insemination of sows seronegative to parvovirus with 50 mL of semen-buffer solution to which 105.5 TCID50 per 0.1 mL parvovirus was added, resulted in fetal infection by 30 days post insemination. Parvovirus was not recovered from fetuses of control sows inseminated with uninoculated semen-buffer solution.6

Porcine parvovirus was reported to be transmissible via semen after insemination of gilts with semen inoculated with porcine parvovirus. Disadvantages of this technique are that the concentration of pathogens in inoculated semen may not reflect the variable concentration of pathogens in semen of boars after natural infection.

Experimental infection of boars prior to semen collection

PRRSV. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus has been isolated from semen of experimentally infected boars. In one study, PRRSV was isolated from semen from four of four boars for up to 43 days after experimental inoculation.7 In another study, PRRSV was isolated from one of nine experimentally inoculated boars 1 week after infection. However, the authors ignored their results and concluded that PRRSV was not shed through the semen (Prieto C, et al. Proc IPVS.1994; 98-98). Christopher-Hennings, et al.,8 reported detecting PRRS viral RNA in boar semen for up to 92 days after infection of boars. Presence of viral RNA does not indicate that the organism is intact, or infectious.

Transmission of PRRSV after insemination was inconclusive. Yaeger, et al.,9 reported seroconversion of gilts to PRRSV beginning at 3 days post-insemination with semen from experimentally inoculated boars. Swenson, et al.,10 inseminated gilts with PRRSV-contaminated semen. Six gilts were bred on 3 consecutive days using extended semen from a PRRSV-negative boar. Five gilts were bred on 3 consecutive days using extended semen from the same boar after he was inoculated with PRRSV. Pregnancy rates did not differ (P=.24) between the two groups of gilts. Gilts did not seroconvert to PRRSV, nor was PRRSV isolated from their reproductive tracts or serum.

Porcine parvovirus. Porcine parvovirus was isolated from the testes and seminal fluids of <= 8-month-old male piglets born to gilts experimentally inoculated with parvovirus before 55 days of gestation.11 Thus, boars infected in utero may be persistent carriers of parvovirus.

Pseudorabies virus. Pseudorabies virus was not isolated from semen samples collected from 9-month-old boars inoculated intranasally with PRV (Hsu FS, et al. Proc IPVS.1984; 24-24).

Porcine parvovirus and PRRSV, but not PRV, were isolated from semen of experimentally infected boars. Transmissibility of these pathogens using semen from infected boars was not demonstrated; although, in one case, seroconversion to PRRSV was reported after insemination. The major disadvantages of experimental infection studies are the limited sample sizes and uncertainty regarding whether results reflect natural infection.

Natural infection

Brucella suis. Brucella suis was isolated from 63 of 92 semen samples collected from six naturally infected boars.12 In support of this finding, Lord, et al.,13 reported isolation of B. suis biovar 1 from semen samples collected from multiple naturally infected boars.

Pseudorabies virus. Medveczky and Szabó14 reported isolating PRV from semen from three of 11 naturally infected, vaccinated boars. The herd of origin had been free of clinical PRV for 1.5 years. Rabbit and mouse inoculation studies were used to discriminate between isolation of wildtype PRV or vaccine virus.

As cited above, B. suis and PRV have been isolated from semen of naturally infected boars.

Summary

Parvovirus, PRRSV, B. suis, and PRV have been isolated from semen of infected boars. Transmissibility of these agents was not reported; however, seroconversion to PRRSV after insemination was reported in one case. Many other agents reportedly have been found in semen or transmissible by insemination; however, these reports were not published in peer-reviewed sources.

Other methods of pathogen spread

Aerosol

Aerosol transmission of pathogens is difficult to document and research due to many uncontrollable variables. Moreover, thoroughly controlled studies do not reflect field conditions.

Survival of pathogens in aerosols

African swine fever virus (ASFV). Aerosols of ASFV survived at relative humidities of 20%-80% when sampled 1 second after aerosol formation. The virus did not survive well at a relative humidity greater than 30% when sampled 5 minutes after aerosol formation.15

Bordetella bronchiseptica. Virulent strains of B. bronchiseptica were isolated from the air in farrowing and nursery pig housing units.16

Pseudorabies virus (PRV). Schoenbaum, et al.,17 reported that PRV survived longer at 55% relative humidity than at 85% relative humidity (P=.017). Survival improved at 4 degrees C (39.2 degrees F) but was not significantly different from survival at 22 degrees C (71.6 degrees F) (P=.18). Infectivity of aerosolized PRV decreased by 50% in less than 1 hour under optimal laboratory conditions.

Swine influenza virus (SIV). Three different strains of SIV survived in aerosol for 15 hours at 21 degrees C (69.8 degrees F) and 15% relative humidity.18

Vesicular exanthema virus (VEV). Aerosols of VEV were stable at a relative humidity of <30%.15

Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV): Aerosols of VSV were unstable at a relative humidity of >20%.15

Transmission of pathogens in aerosols

Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae. Torremorrell, et al.,19 documented airborne transmission of A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 1 between pigs in two experimental pens separated by a 1-m (3.28 ft)-long air duct. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae was isolated from eight of eight aerosol-exposed pigs.

Foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). Gloster, et al.,20 concluded that high virus output, long survival, low dispersion, and large numbers of susceptible animals exposed for many hours were needed for long distance aerosol transmission of FMDV. Multiple outbreaks of FMD were described in which all of the conditions for aerosol transmission were met; however, other modes of transmission could not be ruled out. In another study,21 experimentally inoculated pigs were reported to shed a maximum of 104.7 ID50 per animal per hour. Maximum virus recovery occurred about 41 hours after inoculation.

Hog cholera virus(HCV). Hughes and Gustafson22 reported aerosol transmission of hog cholera virus to six of nine exposed pigs. Air was forced by positive pressure from cans containing pigs inoculated with hog cholera virus to cans containing susceptible pigs.

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Risk factor indices for infection with M. hyopneumoniae were developed using characteristics of 55 infected herds and 57 uninfected herds.23 The most important risk factor for infection was the reciprocal of the square of the distance to the nearest farm. Distances within 3.2 km (1.98 miles) had the highest risk.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Wills, et al.,24 reported that PRRSV was transmitted among pigs without direct contact over short distances in two of five trials. Transmission by aerosol could not be confirmed because their experimental design
did not prevent the transfer of feed, feces, and urine among pens. Torremorrell, et al.,19 documented airborne transmission of PRRSV (strain VR 2332) among pigs in two experimental pens separated by a 1-m (3.28 ft)-long air duct. Virus was isolated from five of five aerosol-exposed pigs. All five pigs seroconverted to PRRSV. Airborne transmission was not documented with a field strain of PRRSV (MN-1b) using the same methods.

Pseudorabies virus (PRV). In Indiana, probable aerosol transmission of PRV was concluded in an epizootic involving 10 swine herds across an area of about 150 km2.25 A Guassian plume diffusion model was used to explain the aerosol spread of virus to nine farms.26 Conclusions were based on wind speed and direction, herd location, and lack of other modes of spread.25 In Denmark, an epizootic of pseudorabies was found to be correlated with an unusual predominance of southerly winds, above-normal winter temperatures and precipitation, fewer hours of sunshine, and higher wind speed.27

Swine vesicular disease virus (SVDV). Sellers, et al.,28 reported that virus was recovered from the air surrounding pigs experimentally inoculated with SVDV for 2-3 days during clinical disease.

Aerosol transmission of pathogens under field conditions cannot be definitively proven due to the inevitability of confounding variables. Difficulties in demonstrating aerosol transmission of pathogens in laboratory settings probably result from the small number of pigs used in the trials. Large numbers of organisms appear to be necessary for survival of pathogens over long distances in aerosol form, and small sample sizes preclude this requirement.

In summary, literature suggests that A. pleuropneumoniae, HCV, PRRSV, and SVDV can be transmitted by aerosol over short distances, while FMDV, M. hyopneumoniae, and PRV can be transmitted by aerosol over long distances.

Rodents

The carrier state of various organisms in rodents has been well documented; however, there is a lack of research concerning rodents’ abilities to transmit pathogens.

Le Moine, et al.,29 reported isolation of porcine pathogens in a field study involving 85 mice (Mus musculus) and 40 gray rats (Rattus norvegicus) in 15 swine herds. Bordetella bronchiseptica was isolated from 11 rats, but no mice. Salmonella serotype Typhimurium was isolated from mice, and a group C1 Salmonella was isolated from one rat. Escherichia coli was isolated from both rats and mice. Rotavirus was identified in feces from both rats and mice. Rats and mice were shown to have seroconverted to transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV).

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae was isolated from cecal scrapings of four mice from three farms infected with swine dysentery.30 Moreover, mice experimentally inoculated with B. hyodysenteriae shed the organism in their feces for up to 180 days after inoculation. Pigs exposed to feces from these infected rodents developed clinical swine dysentery after 11-13 days.

The prevalence of antibodies to encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) in rats ranged from 8%-86%.31 Some laboratory rodents fed EMCV seroconverted to the virus but did not shed virus in feces after 24 hours postinfection. Moreover, control rodents housed with EMCV-infected rodents did not become infected with the virus. The authors concluded that rodents were probably dead-end hosts for EMCV and not involved in the transmission of virus.31

Leptospira were isolated from 14 of 128 and 13 of 106 rodents, respectively, trapped at two swine farms. Microagglutination titers to serovars autumnalis, ballum, bratislava, canicola, hardjo, and icterohaemorrhagiae were detected in these rodents.32

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus was not isolated from sera, lung, thymus, or spleen of 14 mice and two rats trapped on a swine farm with endemic PRRSV infection. Experimental inoculation of laboratory mice and rats with PRRSV indicated that rodents were not susceptible to infection with PRRSV. 33

Pseudorabies virus was not isolated, nor were neutralizing antibodies to PRV detected, in 43 Norway rats trapped on a PRV-positive swine farm. In the same study, both wild and laboratory rats were susceptible to experimental infection with PRV.34

Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated from sick brown rats on a Maryland farm.35

Toxoplasma gondii was isolated from seven of 1502 house mice, two of 67 white-footed mice, and one of 107 rats trapped on 47 swine farms in Illinois.36

In summary, Bordetella bronchiseptica, E. coli, Leptospira, rotavirus, Salmonella spp., T. gondii, and B. hyodysenteriae have been isolated from rats and/or mice. Neither PRV nor PRRSV were isolated from rodents on endemically infected farms. Sampling of few rodents over a limited geographical range may have contributed to failure of pathogen isolation. Rodent-to-pig transmission of B. hyodysenteriae was demonstrated under laboratory conditions; however, field transmission by this route has not been confirmed.

Flies, mosquitoes, and ticks

Insects can potentially be vectors of swine pathogens among farms. Flies have been shown to travel 1.5 km between farms.37

African swine fever virus

Experimentally infected ticks were allowed to feed on 42 uninfected pigs. All 42 pigs subsequently became infected and died from ASFV.38 Fifty-four argasid ticks (Ornithodoros savignyi) were experimentally infected with ASFV.39 At 106 days after infection, groups of nine ticks were allowed to feed on six uninfected swine. Three of six pigs developed acute African swine fever. Natural infections of Ornithodoros savignyi with FMDV have not been documented. Argasid ticks (Ornithodoros moubata) naturally infected with ASFV were collected in Africa. An argasid tick (Ornithodoros coriaceus), native to the United States, was shown to transmit ASFV to swine under experimental feeding conditions.40 Under experimental conditions, Amblyomma americanum and Amblyomma cajennense maintained ASFV for up to 7 days after feeding on infected swine. However, infected ticks did not transmit the virus to healthy swine after being allowed to feed on them.40

Eperythrozoon suis

Stableflies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) were allowed to feed on pigs infected with E. suis and then immediately, or after at least a 1-hour delay, were allowed to feed on susceptible splenectomized pigs.41 Transmission of E. suis was demonstrated by stableflies in three of 15 pigs, and by mosquitoes in nine of nine pigs after immediate transfer. Transmission was not demonstrated after any delay of transfer. Researchers concluded that the stablefly and mosquito are probable mechanical vectors of E. suis under field conditions. The authors believe that studies using nonsplenectomized pigs are needed before this conclusion can be reached.

Hog cholera virus

Horseflies (Tabanus lineola and Tabanus quinquevittatus) experimentally transmitted hog cholera virus to susceptible pigs after feeding on infected pigs.42 Dorset, et al.,43 reported transmission of hog cholera by houseflies and stableflies. Houseflies transmitted the virus by coming into contact with eyes of sick pigs and then with those of healthy pigs. Stableflies transmitted the virus by biting healthy pigs after feeding on sick pigs. The virus was also transmitted by feeding pigs dead stableflies that had fed on sick pigs. In another experiment, eight of 40 pigs developed hog cholera after a suspension of mosquitoes trapped on a farm during an epizootic of hog cholera was intramuscularly injected into susceptible pigs.44 Hog cholera was also transmitted experimentally in two of eight pigs after Aedes aegypti fed on susceptible pigs after feeding on acutely ill pigs.44

Pseudorabies virus

Pseudorabies virus was recovered from houseflies (Musca domestica) after flies were experimentally fed the virus.45 In other studies,46 pigs were experimentally infected with PRV by exposure to flies that had been fed virus. Transmission occurred after fly exposure to eyes, skin, or ingestion of dead flies. Researchers abraded the skin of the pigs before fly exposure, and natural transmission via this route is questionable. Surface disinfection of the fly eliminated the virus; thus, flies were considered mechanical vectors.

Streptococcus suis

Streptococcus suis type 2 was carried by houseflies (Musca domestica) for 5 days after the flies were experimentally fed cultures of the bacteria.47 Carrier flies contaminated materials on which they were feeding for up to 4 days after infection with S. suis.47

Swine pox virus

Shope48 reported that swine pox virus was not transmitted between healthy animals and animals infected with swine pox virus if all pigs were free of lice. However, if pigs were louse-infested, swine pox virus was transmitted after 12-18 days. Swine pox virus was isolated from lice up to 15 days after feeding on infected swine. The authors concluded that the hog louse acts as a mechanical vector, not as an intermediate host.

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus was detected in houseflies originating from a swine unit with enzootic TGEV.49 In a subsequent study, TGEV was recovered 72 hours after laboratory flies were experimentally infected.49

In summary, most evidence of insects as carriers or vectors of pathogens is experimental. Transmission of ASFV, E. suis, HCV, PRV, S. suis, swine pox virus, and TGEV has been documented under laboratory conditions. Natural infection of insects with ASFV and TGE on farms with enzootic disease have been reported.

Birds

Natural transmission of porcine diseases by birds to swine has not been documented.

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Farrington, et al.,50 reported that B. bronchiseptica was isolated from one of 47 house sparrows and 0 of 54 starlings trapped on a research unit housing infected swine.

Hog cholera virus

Hughes and Gustafson22 performed a trial in which a pen of pigs infected with hog cholera was connected to two pens of sentinel pigs by separate, screened 1.82 m (6 ft)-long flyways. Fifteen English sparrows were allowed to fly back and forth from infected to noninfected pigs through one flyway. The other flyway was devoid of birds and connected sentinel pigs served as controls. Birds were observed eating with the pigs and bird droppings were found in the pig feeders and waterers. After 6 weeks, pigs in contact with birds developed clinical signs consistent with hog cholera; however, hog cholera infection was not definitively diagnosed. Control pigs remained healthy.

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV)

Zimmerman, et al.,51 reported that Mallard ducks, experimentally exposed to PRRSV in their drinking water, shed PRRSV for up to 25 days post-exposure in their feces. Pigs intranasally exposed to PRRSV isolated from Mallard feces became viremic and could transmit the virus to other pigs.

Streptococcus suis

Devriese, et al.,52 reported isolating S. suis from a backyard-kept duck which died suddenly. The source of the infection was unknown.

Swine influenza virus

Pensaert, et al.,53 suggested that an influenza A strain originating in wild ducks was responsible for an outbreak of influenza in pigs in Belgium. The strains of influenza isolated from the pigs were related to influenza viruses isolated from wild ducks in North America and Germany. Wright, et al.,54 compared the origins of gene segments from SIV isolates to that of turkey influenza virus isolates. Gene segments from swine isolates were characteristic of swine influenza viruses; however, 73% of the gene segments from turkey isolates contained genes of swine origin. The authors concluded that genetic exchange and reassortment of influenza A viruses occurred frequently in turkeys and rarely in swine.

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus

Pilchard55 reported that pigs developed clinical signs of transmissible gastroenteritis after being fed feces of starlings up to 32 hours after the starlings were experimentally fed a suspension of TGEV.

Tuberculosis

Bickford, et al.,56 reported that they isolated Mycobacterium avium from starlings trapped on a farm where swine were infected with avian tuberculosis. The authors hypothesized that the starlings were infected at a nearby poultry farm, and then introduced the infection to the swine herd through fecal contamination.

In summary, B. bronchiseptica and Mycobacterium avium were isolated from birds trapped on premises that had infected swine. There is some evidence that HCV, PRRSV, and TGEV are transmissible from birds to swine under experimental conditions. Definitive proof of SIV transmission from birds to pigs has not been documented.

Domestic and nonporcine feral animals

Although seemingly probable, no definitive proof exists that pathogens can be naturally transmitted from domestic and nonporcine feral animals to swine. As a precaution, however, perimeter fencing should be sufficient to prohibit entry of domestic strays or feral animals to swine facilities. Perimeter fencing is not sufficient safeguard against raccoons.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Songer, et al.,57 reported the isolation of pathogenic B. hyodysenteriae from a fecal sample of a dog observed to have eaten manure from pigs that had swine dysentery. Brachyspira hyodysenteriae could not be isolated from fecal samples of the dog after the dog was removed from the premises. Glock, et al. (Proc IPVS. 1978; K.B. 63) reported isolation of B. hyodysenteriae from 1-13 days after dogs were inoculated intragastrically with B. hyodysenteriae in 14 of 16 inoculated dogs. Twenty-one of 22 pigs fed dog feces collected 1-4 days after dogs were inoculated became infected. Pigs that were fed feces from dogs after day 7 of inoculation did not become infected.

Brucella suis

Brucella suis was isolated from hares in Denmark in the same district as a Brucella epizootic in swine.58 The authors hypothesized that if hares were the source of infection, transmission could occur when swine consume kitchen waste that consists of organs from infected hares.

A watchdog was implicated in the spread of brucellosis to a swine herd.59 A herd was depopulated due to a brucellosis epizootic. The herd was repopulated with brucellosis-free stock, but became reinfected 2 years later. Brucella suis was isolated from organs of an asymptomatic watchdog used to guard the original infected herd, and subsequently the newly populated herd. Brucella suis was not isolated from the urine of the dog.

Leptospira interrogans

Leptospira interrogans serovar pomona was isolated from the kidneys of five of 14 skunks trapped in and around a swine herd during a leptospirosis outbreak.60 The author hypothesized that skunks may have contributed to the contamination of the water supply.

Pseudorabies virus

Pseudorabies virus was isolated from six raccoons and two cats found dead on or near farms infected with PRV.61 Kirkpatrick, et al.,61 reported transmission of PRV from raccoons to swine after raccoons were experimentally inoculated with the virus. Pigs seroconverted to PRV after having contact with inoculated raccoons. Pseudorabies virus was isolated from nasal discharges of pigs 8 days after pigs were fed the viscera of inoculated raccoons. The probability of natural raccoon-to-swine transmission of PRV is unknown.

Streptococcus suis

Salasia and Lammler62 reported the isolation of Streptococcus suis types 1/2, 4, 9, 20, 22, and 26 from dogs and cats. Devriese, et al.,63 reported isolation of S. suis from a sick fallow deer. Neither set of authors reported whether these animals had any contact with pigs. In 1992, Devriese, and Haesebrouck,64 reported cases of S. suis in horses, a zebra, and cats. None of the equines or felines had contact with swine.

The role of feral animals in the transmission of S. suis remains unknown, even though many nonporcine species can become infected with S. suis.

Toxoplasma gondii

Antibodies to T. gondii were detected in 31 of 74 cats, one of 34 opossums, four of 14 raccoons, and two of seven striped skunks that were live-trapped on swine farms.65 There was no association between the prevalence of T. gondii antibodies in sows from these farms and the prevalence of antibodies in nonswine species. The authors hypothesized that oocysts from cat feces may be a source of contamination for swine.

In summary, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and B. suis were isolated from dogs in contact with infected pigs. Brucella suis, Leptospira interrogans, and PRV were isolated from nonporcine feral animals trapped on premises with infected swine. Pseudorabies virus was transmitted to pigs under experimental conditions by feeding pigs viscera from infected raccoons.

Feed

To prevent introducing foreign animal diseases to the United States, federal law states that "No person shall feed or permit the feeding of garbage to swine unless the garbage is treated to kill disease organisms…" (9 CFR Ch. 1, Part 166- Swine Health Protection, Section 166.2, 1-1-98 Edition). Some individual states forbid feeding both treated and untreated garbage.

Harris, et al.,66 isolated Salmonella from samples of feed and feed ingredients in 46.7% of farms studied. Researchers did not examine whether the presence of Salmonella in the feed adversely affected the health of the pigs or was a risk factor for establishing a carrier state in the pigs consuming the contaminated diet.

Lee, et al.,67 sampled feedstuffs, manure, and cecal samples from pigs at slaughter on two farms for the presence of salmonellae. The first farm fed a liquid diet, which included fish meal found to be contaminated with salmonellae. The second farm fed a purchased diet from which salmonellae were not isolated. No serotype of Salmonella was isolated repeatedly from a single source, but on occasion the same serotype of Salmonella was isolated from multiple sources. Serotypes did not persist in pigs over time. The incidence of salmonellae in cecal samples collected at slaughter was significantly lower (P<.05) for the farm whose feedstuffs were not found to be contaminated with salmonellae when compared to the farm whose feedstuffs were contaminated. However, the incidence and serotypes of salmonellae in pigs at arrival (prior to feed consumption) was not determined. Therefore, an association between contaminated feed and a carrier state in pigs could not be made.

Smith68 fed two groups of Salmonella-free pigs a diet heavily contaminated with Salmonella or a diet free of Salmonella for a period of up to 50 days, after which both groups were fed a Salmonella-free diet. Pigs were euthanized and samples were cultured periodically throughout the trial. Pigs did not become clinically ill during the trial. Salmonella was isolated from the mesenteric lymph nodes or rectum of eight of 20 pigs fed the contaminated diet. Seven of 20 pigs fed the contaminated diet shed Salmonella in their feces during consumption, but shedding ceased when these pigs were switched to a Salmonella-free diet. Salmonella was not detected in tissues or manure from the four pigs fed a noncontaminated diet. Incidence of isolation of Salmonella from tissues or manure was not statistically different between the two groups, probably due to the inadequate sample size and experimental design. Thus, definitive evidence of feed as a source of Salmonella infection for pigs still does not exist.

Toxoplasma gondii oocysts were isolated from two of 491 feed samples from 47 swine farms in Illinois.36 The authors postulated that these results underestimated the true prevalence of oocysts, estimating that >90% of the detectable oocysts were lost due to sample storage and assay procedures.

In summary, two studies have detected pathogens in the feed of swine. The number of organisms detected in the feed are probably too small to cause infection in pigs consuming the feed, but the risk of infection is unknown. To date, T. gondii oocysts and Salmonella were the only organisms reportedly isolated from pig feed. Research has not proven that porcine pathogens can be transmitted through contaminated feed.

Vehicles

The risk of pathogen transmission by contaminated vehicles has not been well researched. Common belief is that organisms can be carried on the frame of the vehicle or in caked manure in tire treads.

Transmission of A. pleuropneumoniae among nine pig herds was investigated using ribotyping techniques.69 The finding of identical ribotypes in the infected herd and the suspect herd of origin was evidence for implicating the mode of transmission. Although the authors implicated transmission by vehicles in six of the nine cases, the ribotypes matches could have occurred by chance alone.

Dee and Corey70 added S. suis to swine manure and spread the mixture on a truck tire. Streptococcus suis was isolated from the tire tread after the truck was driven for 4.82 km (3 miles) at speeds up to 64.3 km (40 miles) per hour, but not after an additional 12.87 km (8 miles) with speeds ranging from 96.5-120.6 km (60-75 miles) per hour.

In summary, there is no proof that pathogens can be transmitted by contaminated vehicles, but there is some evidence that A. pleuropneumoniae and S. suis could be transmitted by this route.

Personnel and visitors

People flow into and within production units comprises a large component of biosecurity; however little research is available to support common policies regarding people movement. The length of downtime between human visits to farms is a controversial subject. Most farms have a rule that visitors must be free from exposure to swine for 24-48 hours before entry. Disease research centers such as Plum Island have downtimes ranging from 48-168 hours. The refereed literature includes only two publications describing human transmission of porcine pathogens. First, Goodwin23 reported that the culture of breath and hair samples from a person exposed to pigs experimentally infected with M. hyopneumoniae did not result in reisolation of M. hyopneumoniae. Second, Sellers, et al.,71 sampled people who had been in with contact animals infected with FMDV. More FMDV was isolated from the nose than the mouth of these people. Virus was isolated from the nose of one person at 28 hours, but was not isolated after 48 hours. Nose blowing or washing was not effective in eliminating the virus, and cloth or industrial masks were not effective in preventing inhalation of the virus. Transfer of the virus between people was documented after persons in contact with infected animals spoke to unexposed colleagues in a box for 4 minutes. One year later, Sellers, et al.,72 reported that FMDV could be transferred by human beings, from infected pigs, to susceptible cattle. Results from Seller’s work appear to be the origin for the "48 hour rule" used by many producers even though different viruses and bacteria may be harbored for longer or shorter periods by humans.

Wentworth, et al.,73 recorded transmission of SIV to human caretakers. In this study, pig-to-human transmission occurred despite the use of Animal Biosafety Level 3 containment practice (coveralls, boots, goggles, gloves, hairnets, and dust masks.). In contrast, the authors74 could not detect pig-to-human transmission of S. suis using throat swab samples collected from farm personnel who were working in close daily contact with infected pigs. Thus, it would appear that the risk of transmitting diseases back and forth between human beings and swine varies with the pathogen. Quantification of the risk of transmission of common porcine pathogens, on an individual basis, is essential.

Whether or not to shower before entry into a production unit is another controversial subject. A shower-in policy ensures that contaminated clothes will not be carried onto the farm and discourages visitors. No reports of the effect of showering on the carriage of bacteria and viruses were found; however, the results of publications on handwashing may aid in decisions concerning showering. Chamberlain, et al.,75 studied the effectiveness of washing hands with nonmedicated soap and water to reduce natural hand bacterial flora and artificially inoculated bacteria. Both a 10-second and a 3-minute wash reduced the numbers of artificially inoculated bacteria tenfold; however, less than half of the naturally occurring bacteria were removed. Washing increased bacterial counts on hands that were previously disinfected with 70% alcohol. Deshmukh, et al.,76 reported that the number of bacterial colonies recovered from washed hands after a 1-minute wash with povidone-iodine followed by use of alcohol foam was less than that after a 5-minute wash with povidone-iodine only. Patrick, et al.,77 reported the importance of hand drying in reducing the transfer of bacteria by touch after washing hands. Drying hands with a cloth for 10 seconds or using a dryer for 20 seconds reduced the number of bacteria that were transferred to skin or equipment after touch contact by 94%-99.8%. Research concerning the role of personal hygiene in the transmission of porcine pathogens is needed.

Footbaths are often used in transition areas between groups of pigs to prevent disease transmission. No reports regarding effective use of footbaths have been published.

In summary, FMDV and SIV were the only porcine pathogens shown to be transmissible from infected pigs to people. People could spread FMDV to susceptible cattle but spread to pigs was not documented. There were no studies examining the effectiveness of personal hygiene procedures in preventing the transmission, by people, of porcine pathogens.

Pathogen survival

Clinically healthy and ill swine shed bacteria and viruses in secretions and excretions. Organisms from pigs ultimately contaminate the production facility. There are few reports regarding the potential to spread diseases through contact with contaminated premises, manure, water, soil, etc.

Dust, uncleaned rooms

Porcine parvovirus

Mengeling and Paul78 reported the infection of sentinel pigs with porcine parvovirus after the pigs were placed in an uncleaned room that had previously housed experimentally infected pigs. The room had been vacant of pigs for 14 weeks before sentinel pigs were introduced.

Rotavirus

Fu, et al.,79 reported the isolation of group A rotavirus from dust from a nursery that had been free of pigs for 3 months.

Flooring

Streptococcus suis

Dee and Corey70 reported that S. suis survived up to 20 hours on clean plastic flooring, less than 4 hours on clean concrete, and less than 2 hours on painted plywood.

Soil

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae

Wood80 reported that E. rhusiopathiae experimentally added to soil died out at a logarithmic rate. The longest survival time occurred at 3 degrees C (37.4 degrees F) when the organism was isolated 35 days after the soil was experimentally inoculated with cultures of E. rhusiopathiae.

Escherichia coli

Tamasi81 reported that E. coli survived under laboratory conditions in soil columns for 108 days at 8 degrees C (46.4 degrees F) and for 54 days at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F).

Salmonella Typhimurium

Tamasi81 reported that Salmonella Typhimurium survived under laboratory conditions in soil columns for 96 days at 8 degrees C (46.4 degrees F) and for 54 days at 20 degrees C (68 degrees F).

Trichuris suis

Burden and Hammet82 reported that T. suis ova were available to grazing pigs up to 2.5 years after pasture plots were contaminated with pig manure containing T. suis ova.

Manure

Ascaris suum

Gaasenbeek and Borgsteede83 reported that A. suum eggs did not survive beyond 16 weeks in experimentally inoculated tubes of pig slurry that were stored submerged in a pig slurry unit. Under simulated field conditions, A. suum eggs survived in pig slurry for up to 4 weeks in dry and sunny conditions and at least 8 weeks under moist and shady conditions.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Olson84 reported that lagoon effluent from a building remained infective for swine dysentery 5-6 days after removal of infected swine from the building. Chia85 reported that B. hyodysenteriae survived up to 48 days in pig manure stored between 0 degrees C-10 degrees C (32 degrees F-50 degrees F).

Pseudorabies virus

Botner86 reported that, under experimental conditions, PRV survived for 15 weeks at 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) in inoculated pig slurry under anaerobic storage. Survival times decreased as storage temperatures increased.

Water

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae

The recovery of M. hyopneumoniae inoculum from rain and tap water at 17 and 31 days, respectively, may help explain aerosol transmission of the organism during periods of high relative humidity.23

Composted carcasses

Morrow, et al.,87 reported that the process of composting swine carcasses was sufficient to kill E. rhusiopathiae, PRV, and some Salmonella cultures under experimental conditions. Salmonella cultures placed at the top and bottom of the pile survived. Salmonella may have been killed had the cultures not been at fixed locations in the pile.

Summary

Porcine parvovirus and rotavirus survived for extended periods of time in facilities vacated of pigs. Streptococcus suis survived for short periods of time on flooring. Under laboratory conditions, E. rhusiopathiae, E. coli, and Salmonella Typhimurium survived in soil for extended periods. Trichuris suis ova survived for years on naturally grazed pastures. Ascaris suum, B. hyodysenteriae, and PRV survived for variable periods of time in manure. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae was recovered from experimentally inoculated water for up to 31 days. Carcass composting appeared to be sufficient to kill E. rhusiopathiae and PRV.

Cleaning and disinfection

Cleaning, disinfection, and drying of buildings and equipment is of paramount importance to disease control. Cleaning removes organic matter that can prevent many disinfectants from functioning as designed. Disinfecting reduces or eliminates biocontamination of the unit, decreasing the load of bacteria and viruses that build up over time. Drying is important because desiccation kills many organisms. The efficacy of a cleaning and disinfection program can be determined by cultural examination of swab samples collected from the floor or equipment after the area is properly disinfected and allowed to dry.88

Most studies of the efficacy of disinfection on the survival of specific porcine pathogens were performed under conditions of optimal pathogen survival (i.e., cell culture or bacterial culture) free of contamination with manure; thus, laboratory results may not reflect field efficacy.

African swine fever virus

Stone and Hess89 examined the virucidal activity of 11 disinfectants (sodium hydroxide and acetic acid, sodium meta silicate [Fisher Scientific Co., Fairlawn, New Jersey], Roccal(TM), Weladol(TM) [Allied Laboratories, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana], Triton X-100(TM) [Packard Instrument Co., Downers Grove, Illinois], Amphyl(TM), pHisoHex(TM) [Winthrop Laboratories, New York, New York], sodium dodecyl sulfate [Fisher Scientific Co.], LpH(TM), Environ(TM) [Vestul Laboratories, St. Louis, Missouri], Environ D(TM) [Vestul Laboratories], and One-Stroke Environ(TM) [Vestul Laboratories]) against ASFV. Only One-Stroke Environ was virucidal at concentrations of 0.5%-1%. A minimal contact time of 1 hour with 1% One-Stroke Environ was reported to be effective in decontaminating a room.

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae

Chia and Taylor85 did not recover B. hyodysenteriae after contact
with 1200 ppm formaldehyde, 375 ppm phenol, 375 ppm sodium hypochlorite, or 30,000 ppm sodium carbonate.

Porcine parvovirus

Brown90 reported that a 1:16 dilution of sodium hypochlorite and 5% sodium hydroxide inactivated porcine parvovirus.

Pseudorabies virus

Pseudorabies virus was inactivated after 5 minutes of contact with 70% ethanol, 1:212 dilution of betadine, 1:256 dilution of phenol, 1:200 dilution of quaternary ammonium compounds, 4% formaldehyde, 1:128 dilution of Nolvasan(TM), 5% sodium hydroxide, and a 1:32 dilution of sodium hypochlorite.90

Streptococcus suis

Dee and Corey70 inoculated plates of Meuller-Hinton agar with S. suis. Phenol, quaternary ammonium, formaldehyde, chlorhexadine, 3% iodine, 70% alcohol, and 5% hypochlorite diluted according to recommended levels were swabbed on the agar surface. Streptococcus suis did not grow in the presence of any disinfectant except for 70% alcohol.

Swine vesicular disease virus

Blackwell, et al.,91 reported that 2% sodium hydroxide, 0.04% sodium hypochlorite, and 8% formaldehyde inactivated SVDV in less than 2 minutes under experimental conditions.

Transmissible gastroenteritis virus

Evans, et al.,92 reported that TGEV was sensitive to 1% Lysol, 2% glutaraldehyde (Cidex(TM)), 1% sodium hypochlorite (Chloros(TM)), 4% solution of an iodophor (Fam(TM)), 36% w/v formaldehyde, and 0.1% peracetic acid. Brown90 also reported that TGEV was inactivated after 5 minutes of contact with undiluted Cidex(TM), a 1:32 dilution of sodium hypochlorite, a 1:212 dilution of betadine, and 4% formaldehyde. In addition, Brown reported that 70% ethanol, 1:212 dilution of betadine, 1:256 dilution of phenol, 1:200 dilution of quaternary ammonium compounds, 1:128 dilution of Nolvasan, 5% sodium hydroxide, and a 1:32 dilution of sodium hypochlorite inactivated TGEV after 5 minutes of contact.90

Vesicular exanthema virus

Blackwell93 reported VEV was inactivated after 2 minutes of exposure to 1% formaldehyde, 10% Amphyl(TM), 1% One-Stroke Environ(TM), 0.02% Wescodyne(TM), or 5% benzalkonium chloride.

In summary, African swine fever virus, B. hyodysenteriae, porcine parvovirus, PRV, S. suis , SVDV, TGEV, and VEV were the only porcine pathogens for which disinfectant efficacy studies were reported.

Guidelines for disinfectant use were included in this review as a reference guide for practitioners (Table 1). In addition to the tabled disinfectants, alcohols are active against bacteria, viruses, and fungi.94 Chlorhexidine, a biguanide, is bactericidal and has variable antiviral activity. The activity of chlorhexidine is pH dependent and reduced in the presence of organic matter.94 Iodines and iodophors are bactericidal, fungicidal, virucidal, sporocidal, and tuberculocidal.94

Generally, lipid-enveloped viruses and gram-positive bacteria are the most sensitive to disinfectants.94 Fungi and nonsporulating gram-negative bacteria are slightly more resistant.94 Nonenveloped viruses, mycobacteria, bacterial spores, and coccidia are the most resistant to disinfectants.94

Discussion

Biosecurity has become an important consideration for maintaining the health of swine herds. Unfortunately, the field of biosecurity has not been well researched. Virtually all aspects of biosecurity need to be examined.

Producers can evaluate the effectiveness of current biosecurity programs by recording information regarding movements of people, animals, feed, and equipment to, from, and within their production facilities. Records can proactively alert managers to biosecurity risks or breaches. Records can also help identify the likely source of disease introduction should an outbreak occur. Visitor logs should include:

Pig movement logs should include:

Vehicle and semen movement logs should include:

Manure application logs should include:

Research is needed for veterinarians and producers to make informed, cost-effective, scientifically sound decisions regarding biosecurity. The authors propose that research be initiated under controlled laboratory conditions to determine whether pathogen spread by a certain mechanism is possible. Then, field investigations can be performed to determine whether the risk is probable. Biosecurity measures commensurate with the greatest degree of risk can then be prescribed with confidence to producers.

Not knowing the extent to which biosecurity measures need to be employed to prevent the transmission of porcine pathogens is an important problem, because, until that information is known, pork producers will run one of two risks:

Implications

Acknowledgements

Support for this review was provided by the NPPC.

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