Biosecurity
From increasing practical livestock biosecurity measures to advancing rapid depopulation and disposal abilities during animal disease outbreaks, Farm Bill funding will support endeavors to protect animal health.
How diverse are influenza A viruses circulating in U.S. swine herds? Tavis Anderson, PhD, says there’s a great deal of diversity within the virus. His team is studying the factors driving this diversity.
No matter how many times you think you know all the diseases, new diseases pop up and remind you, ‘Oh, there’s stuff out there you’ve never seen before,’ says Daniel Gascho, DVM.
Is it possible to determine where high-risk feed products are coming into the U.S. from ASF-positive countries? Scott Dee and Gilbert Patterson weigh in on a new study that could help the industry mitigate risk.
The Office of Homeland Security protects America’s livestock from biodefense risks and animal diseases that could crush the U.S. economy.
The race to find a vaccine for African swine fever (ASF) continues across the globe. Vietnam’s minister of agriculture says Vietnam might have a vaccine as early as 2021 following optimistic small-scale test results.
The current COVID-19 pandemic has caused everyone to rethink their actions and protocols related to biosecurity, not only for their pig farms but also for their personal protection.
For Jarrod and Shari Bakker of Dike, Iowa, biosecurity is a high priority. They’re working to make sure their three children share the same commitment to good biosecurity practices.
The industry can have all the rules or standard operating procedures in the world, but keeping farms protected comes down to human behavior and the decisions farm owners and employees make every day.
High-quality drinking water is an essential component for the health and efficient production of pigs, says Eric van Heugten, PhD, a professor in the Animal Science Department at North Carolina State University.
Producers and veterinarians don’t often think of water as a nutrient, since nutrients are usually associated with feeding. In reality, it’s likely the most important nutrient.
Each layer of biosecurity can make a difference when it comes to protecting your farm’s livelihood. Ilia Zubtsov of PIC Russia shares some of the most impactful biosecurity changes they’ve implemented in Russia.
Protection related to animal health and food safety issues begins at the farm level, and the acronym “IRS” plays an important role: isolation, resistance and sanitation.
Specific, effective biosecurity protocols need to become part of your standard operating procedures. Take the steps to ensure all employees know how important they are.
Is it possible to live with ASF? Although no one wants to live with this devastating virus that has no cure or vaccine, Ilia Zubtsov says it’s possible. But, there are several things the industry needs to do first.
A new African swine fever vaccine shows promise for the pork industry. Dave Pyburn, DVM, chief veterinarian for the National Pork Board, says it’s one of the best vaccine candidates he’s seen so far.
This month, the VIDO-InterVac facility will begin work with the virus in its Containment Level 3-Agriculture facility in Saskatoon. It is the first non-government facility to work with the virus in Canada.
Rodents can cause major problems due to destruction and contamination of food, in addition to disease spread, say two experts at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
In this time of heightened biosecurity awareness, the importance of an effective disease barrier system for rodent control in and around hog buildings can’t be overstated.
Key elements of a successful biosecurity program are often neglected, says Jean-Pierre Vaillancourt, DVM, a professor at the University of Montreal in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada. You can change that outlook.
Biosecurity is described as a combination of management practices designed to prevent the introduction and transmission of diseases and disease-causing agents into a herd. Learn what your biosecurity plan should include
Clean water is critical for livestock. That’s why annual water quality tests are recommended for private wells. Owners can have their water tested by collecting a sample themselves or hiring a qualified person to do so
When it comes to water quality, there’s no “one size fits all” Some areas of the country just have poor quality to begin with. Producers and veterinarians need to find root cause, then implement effective solutions
Follow the “NO PRRS” steps to achieve sanitation.
Have you addressed vehicle biosecurity? If you answered “no,” you may discover how easily cross-contamination can occur with transportation. Dr. Nick Wagner, DVM, discusses vehicle biosecurity dos and don’ts.
Defining the water requirement of the pig is challenging because intake can be affected by metabolic, physiological and behavioral factors. Research is limited, but what do we know right now?
Is your farm as biosecure as possible? If you answered “no,” you may discover the costly consequences of a disease break. Joe Connor, DVM, chairman of the Carthage System, discusses biosecurity do’s and don’ts.
There are multiple ways to generate chlorine dioxide for water disinfection on farms. All of them CAN work, but the metering pump systems are the easiest, most cost-effective, versatile and safest options on the market.
Water is the nutrient that is required in the largest quantity by pigs and is the most essential nutrient for life. Pigs must consume enough water to balance the amount of water lost.
Eye-opening study shows untreated water linked to higher prolapse rates.