BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM ITALIA S.P.A.

Figure 1: Representation of a recombination event generating a new virus. The region before and after the points where the two lines cross denote the portion of genomes received from the two parental viruses. Genome regions are shown at the top.

The implications of the PRRSV recombination dilemma

PRRS control measures also reduce the opportunities for different wild-type viruses to recombine and create more aggressive strains.

Figure 1: Schematic representation of a PRRSV whole genome (GenBank U87392) and the target regions for different diagnostic assays. In the United States, RT-PCR assays to detect modified live virus (MLV) vaccine-like viruses target the nsp2 region, and CLAMP sequencing to block amplification of MLV vaccine viruses during Sanger sequencing targets the ORF5 gene.

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PRRS Molecular diagnostics: when sequencing only 4% is not enough

Genetic mutation and evolution of PRRSV can occur across all genes. Unlike ORF5, which only represents about 4% of the PRRSV genome, NGS can recover a whole PRRSV genome to be used in epidemiological investigations.

Is there “fake” data on farms? Do we know how to convey the importance of good record keeping?

Do we know how to communicate the main objective of correct data collection? What clues can make us suspect that the data are not being properly recorded?

Do we know how to interpret what our pigs are telling us? Observations in the farrowing room

The relatively short but very intense lactation period is undoubtedly a key phase in pig production for both sows and piglets. The fragility of the piglets and the significant demands that sows face at this stage make early detection of problems essential. Do we understand what the animals are telling us?

Do we know how to interpret what our pigs are telling us?

Animals tell us how they feel, but do we understand what they are telling us?

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Ten years of ASF in Poland: what have we learnt?

For several reasons, Poland has not managed to control ASF in wild boars and pigs. What measures has this country implemented during these 10 years and why were they insufficient?

Figure 1. Differences between farms' awareness, desire, knowledge, and farmers' ability for PRRSV eradication.

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The human factor: Are we ready to eradicate PRRS?

Farmer profiling to understand their objections or willingness towards PRRS elimination using the ADKAR change management model.

ASF - What we can learn from Sardinia?

Pig333 interviewed Prof. Pulina of the University of Sassari who has been involved in eradicating African swine fever in Sardinia. ASF arrived on the island in 1978 through contaminated pork products. After many years of struggle, the virus has now been eradicated.

Photo 3. Hemorrhagic gastric ulcer of an affected pig.

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Clinical case: Gastroesophageal ulcers in finishing pigs due to pyrrolizidine alkaloidosis

Although initially the focus was on the gastric ulcers, after the first visits, more importance was given to liver damage and poisoning was suspected.

Figure 1. Relative frequencies (%) of dead sows, before or after farrowing, out of a total of 7,778 inseminated sows plus 7,745 farrowed sows. Source: Tami S. et al. 2017.

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Sow mortality: When and where? (2/2)

To reduce mortality, it is essential to diagnose the causes. To do so, we must answer four basic questions: how, who, when, and where? In this article, we'll address the latter two.

Figure 1. Mortality by parity on a farm (%), where there is a mortality problem in gilts due to lameness problems.

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Sow mortality: How and who? (1/2)

To reduce mortality, it is essential to diagnose the causes. To do so, we must answer four basic questions: how, who, when, and where? In this article, we'll address the first two.

Clinical case - Depopulation: What a pain streptococcus is!

In the end, depopulation was the option to reduce mortality and the excessive use of antibiotics in the nursery and subsequent phases.

Facilities-Equipment Article

Artificial intelligence in the swine industry: an unstoppable present

Artificial intelligence is not a passing fad in the swine industry but an ongoing revolution that is redefining the industry.

Effect of drying and warming piglets at farrowing on preweaning mortality

Drying and warming the piglets favors their survival only in farrowing units with moderate or suboptimal temperatures (<25ºC).

Debunking myths about biosecurity on swine farms

Let’s have a look at some common biosecurity myths and how standardized outbreak investigations can help to improve biosecurity outcomes.

The impact of discontinuing perinatal antibiotic treatments in piglets

Side effects of perinatal medications on the microbiota can be detrimental to animal health.

Figure 2. Triad of evidence suggested to confirm the diagnosis of swine dysentery in a given herd.

No swine dysentery? Challenges that mild strains of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae pose to the industry

What happens if the agent that causes swine dysentery is detected, but there is no disease? This is how can it be diagnosed and the consequences to the herd.

What is the best age for weaning piglets?

Enric Marco examines the reasons why the average age at weaning has not yet reached 28 days in Spain.

Improving PRRS control through controlling digestive disease processes

The gut-lung axis: New tools for improving the control of PRRS virulence and persistence at farm level.

Video about split suckling: The importance of the first few hours

To ensure that each piglet intakes enough colostrum and to help the smallest piglets get it, split suckling should be used.

Photo 3. Above: Piglets resting properly. Below: Insufficient heat lamp.

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Weaning: The first hours after arrival

Javier Lorente tells us how to make newly weaned piglets comfortable and, above all, how to get them to start drinking and eating as soon as possible.