Genetic Characterisation of an Asian FMD Virus Strain from Pigs
Scientists in China have succeeded in the genetic characterisation of the cell-adapted pan-Asian strain of foot and mouth disease (FMD) virus isolated from pigs.

Detection of Swine Transmissible Gastroenteritis Coronavirus Using Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification
Researchers at Shanghai University, China, have developed an improved method for the detection of the virus causing transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) in pigs. Their paper is published in Virology Journal.

Longitudinal Investigation of Clostridium difficile Shedding in Piglets
There was a significant decrease in colonisation by Clostridium difficile over time, with prevalance falling from 74 per cent on day 2 to below four per cent by day 62, according ot sconetitsts at the University of Guelph in Canada.

Evaluation of Methods for Controlling and Monitoring Occupational Exposure of Workers in Swine Facilities
While dietary manipulation can reduce ammonia concentrations, only the spraying of canola oil had the potential to reduce respirable dust concentration, according to B. Predicala and L. Moreno in the Prairie Swine Centre Annual Report 2009.

Stress: It Affects Pigs and Poultry Too
Researchers in the ARS Livestock Behavior Research Unit in West Lafayette, Indiana, talk about their studies on stress in poultry and pigs to Sharon Durham in the latest issue of Agricultural Research.

On-Farm Control of Salmonella: Does Vaccination Work?
Vaccinating pigs against Salmonella did not produce the desired effects in a trial carried out at the University of Guelph and reported by Wayne Du (Pork Quality Assurance Program Lead, Food Safety and Traceability Programs Branch) in the August issue...

The Cause of Trichinosis and its Prevention Through Safe Food Handling Practices
Trichinosis is an infection of humans caused by roundworms in the genus Trichinella, with infection resulting entirely from food sources, typiclaly undercooked pork. Alina Balaguero and Keith R. Schneider of the University of Florida explain the causes...

Duration of Immunity Induced by a Single Dose of Porcilis PCV at Three Weeks of Age
At IPVS 2010, U. Schmidt and F. Roerink reported their study into the duration of immunity induced by a single dose (2ml) of Porcilis PCV administered to MDA-positive pigs at three weeks of age and challenged with PCV2 virus at 25 weeks of age. They found...

Porcine Circoviral Disease – from Inception to Successful Control
Effective PCV2 vaccines are now widely available, and enhance the profitability of the pork production systems, according to Dr John C.S. Harding of Western College of Veterinary Medicine in the 2008 Annual Research Report from Prairie Swine Centre. ...

Evaluation of a PCR Assay for PRRS Virus in Oral Fluids of Growing Pigs
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus RNA was detected in oral fluids from pigs viraemic with PRRS virus but the technique is currently too insensitive to be applied in the commercial setting, according to B. Strugnell in the final...

One-Dose Vaccination Against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and Porcine Circovirus Type 2
There was no immunological interference between the M.hyo and PCV2 antigens of M+PAC, Porcilis M Hyo and Porcilis PCV – independent of whether they are given concurrently as separate single vaccines or combined in a ready-to-use vaccine with either Emunade...

Management of Pneumo-Enteric Infections and Vector Control
Enteric infections, the efficacy of Denagard and the role of vectors in disease transfer were covered in a Novartis symposium held during the International Pig Veterinary Society (IPVS) Congress 2010, writes Jackie Linden, editor of ThePigSite.

Health Implications of Bovine TB in Pig Populations
The health implications of having bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in a pig herd are described in this Knowledge Transfer Bulletin from BPEX.

Developing an Emergency Response Plan for Your Livestock Facility
The best strategy for minimising the impact of emergencies may be prevention, according to Tom Guthrie (extension educator, Pork Team in Jackson, Michigan), writing in MSU Quarterly Pork Quarterly.

PRRS Regional Elimination Project – Michigan
Barbara Straw, DVM (extension swine veterinarian) Jerry May (pork educator in Ithaca, Gratiot County) and Beth Ferry (pork educator in Cassopolis, Cass County) explain how a project to eliminate Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)...

UK Pig Disease Quarterly Surveillance Report: January to March 2010
The Veterinary Laboratories Agency expresses concern about a possible link between an outbreak of tuberculosis in outdoor pigs and the infection in badgers in its latest quarterly report.

Biosecurity to Reduce the Risk of Bovine TB in Pig Populations
This Knowledge Transfer Bulletin from BPEX covers badger behaviour and provides examples of biosecurity that may reduce the risk of pig herds being infected by bovine tuberculosis (bTB) from badgers, as well as from other sources.

Salmonella Serotypes Analysed at the CODA-CERVA in 2009
Belgium's CODA-CERVA has published the results of the salmonella serotypes analysed in 2009, comparing the evolution of poultry, cattle and pig isolates between 1998 and 2009, as well as the results of antimicrobial resistance testing.

Compatibility of Vaccines Against Atrophic Rhinitis and Neonatal E. coli Diarrhoea
For nearly all antigens, there was no significant difference between the antibody titre induced by the single vaccines or by the mixed products, according to H. Swarts, M Murmans and M. Witvliet.

Comparison of Three Commercial Vaccines for the Control of Salmonella in Pigs in Their Effect of Faecal Shedding and Performance
The vaccine given at weaning produced the best performance with respect to growth performance and Salmonella shedding, according to B.C. Cruz, N.R. Carreó and A.J. Palacios.

Fertility and Prolificacy Following Ovulation Induction (by PG600 or hCG) and a Single Fixed-Time AI
An injection of PG600 or hCG (96 hours after the end of Matrix), induced ovulation and led to high fertility and prolificacy after a single fixed-time artificial insemination, report S. Ferchaud, P. Guillouet, H. Swarts, K. Pere and M.A. Driancourt of...

Continuous Throughput Compared with 'All-in, All-out' in the Management of a Farrowing Unit in Thailand
Many improvements were seen on a farm in Thailand after an 'all-in, all-out' management policy was implemented, according to Suraphan Boonyawatan and A.A.S. Eggen.

Regional Methods for Controlling PRRS
Extensive scientific study and on-farm research is starting to pay off in the battle against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus, writes ThePigSite senior editor, Chris Harris.