Considering the spread of African swine fever (ASF) globally in recent years, are we prepared for this increased risk?

ASF has never spread so widely across the globe. The question is not if it will arrive, but when. The latest outbreaks detected in Europe may provide valuable information as the wolf lurks.

The choice of cut-off point influences sensitivity, specificity, and the occurrence of false positives or negatives. We explain why the timing of collection and the purpose of the test make a difference in interpreting the results.

High sensitivity, specificity, and an affordable cost make ELISA an indispensable tool in laboratory routines. This infographic explains the mechanisms, components, and main variations of this assay in a visual and objective way.

Oral vaccination in pigs, previously limited to enteric pathogens, is emerging as an innovative strategy against respiratory diseases. By building on the potential of the Common Mucosal Immune System (CMIS), new formulations can trigger immune responses in distant mucosal sites starting from the gut.

By exploring the mechanisms of the Common Mucosal Immune System (CMIS), orally administered vaccines are capable of activating coordinated immune responses across different mucosal sites in the body. In this content, we explain how local activation in the GALT triggers protective effects in distant mucosal tissues, such as the respiratory tract, thereby expanding the reach of immune protection.

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

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.

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?

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?

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

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?

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

What causes can lead to increased feed conversion ratio and mortality with worsened average daily gain?

Javier Lorente outlines step by step the keys to reducing piglet stress during the weaning process.

Should we be worried? Read the on-farm accounts of how this mosquito-borne virus caused reproductive issues and perinatal mortality in China.