The concept of Single and Double 12

Gilts should be in a biosecure facility (i.e., quarantine), avoiding unexpected infections before introduction to sow farms, to avoid the disease outbreaks in sows and offspring. Relying solely on natural immunization does not result in even (homogeneous) and consistent immunity. If the gilts are housed in a continuous flow system before entering the sow herd, they can carry PRRS virus from recently placed animals to the sow breeding unit.

Therefore:

1. Ideally introduce gilts after clinical and diagnostic monitoring in a quarantine.
2. The quarantine should be run as one single all in/all out at least by room; if possible by barn, to break infection chains.

What is the definition of a gilt quarantine or isolation?

1. It is a room or compartment that is separated from the rest of the herd. The separation should be physical, meaning a different airspace than the rest of the herd, and also with limited  epidemiological connections with the breeding herd. For instance, shared labor should be avoided between the breeding herd and the isolation unit.
2. It has a separate entrance, separate ventilation and manure handling.
3. The room can serve as quarantine and acclimation at the same time.

Different concepts of how to introduce new gilts into your herd.

• The Concept of Single 12 – One Isolation/Acclimation barn, run as all in all out and closed for 12 weeks.

• The Concept of Double 12 – Two Isolation/Acclimation barns, run as all in all out and closed for 12 weeks.