Articles - Pig health

Hans Nauwynck defines himself as a veterinary virologist, a person who works in a laboratory setting, doing precise work, like a surgeon, aiming to gain a better understanding of how animal viruses interact with their target cells. But it is much more. His deep understanding of the biological behavior of viruses allows him to fluently explain many of the “whys” that are so important for a better understading of the pathogenesis of viral diseases and the development of effective control strategies.

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.

Fewer losses, lower medication costs, and a better feed conversion ratio result in a 100% ROI on this depopulation-repopulation project.

Two models of exoskeletons were tested on farms to evaluate whether they improved working conditions during piglet vaccination.

The first three years of the Danish PRRS reduction strategy have shown that it is possible to control and reduce the prevalence of PRRS in Danish pig production.

We analyze the two most relevant respiratory viruses in the swine population.

In this last article in the series we discuss the main causes of “vaccine failure”, i.e. when we aren't sure that vaccines are working or they are only partially working.

Beta glucans are an excellent bioactive compounds that can help us enhance passive immunity in a profitable and practical way.

Aerosol models may open a new range of possibilities for addressing knowledge gaps concerning M. hyopneumoniae infection and disease, treatment, and control.

After interpreting the lesions we must proceed to sample collection.

Beta glucans can boost the vaccinal response, thus helping to achieve an optimal vaccinal response. If they are supplied during enough time to cover the whole vaccination programme this strategy could be an option to improve the vaccine response.

In the fifth installment of the manual we address the examination of the organs of the abdominal cavity.

This article describes the main characteristics of commercial vaccines to combat PRRS.

This farm has built a small chute to vaccinate an entire pen of piglets in record time.

Gene editing represents a significant technological advancement that we must thoroughly understand due to its potential impact on the swine industry. Will there be animals resistant to viral diseases?

A better understanding of the modulatory effects of functional amino acids and polyphenols may support nutritionists in formulating more adapted diets and contribute to the development of nutritional strategies to improve animal performance, well-being, and health.

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?

In the fourth installment of the manual, we address examining the thoracic cavity organs.

The overall risk of a PRRS outbreak is 12 times higher during the first 15 days after pumping manure than the rest of the year.

This article describes the main characteristics of commercial vaccines for combatting porcine parvovirus.

A review of vaccine administration routes, administration methods according to the type of animal, and how to manage vaccination supplies.

In this second installment, Antonio Palomo summarizes the papers and posters on health, immunology, and vaccines presented at the latest edition of the IPVS and ESPHM-ECPHM in Leipzig.

In this first installment, Antonio Palomo summarizes the presentations and posters from the latest edition of IPVS and ESPHM-ECPHM.