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Bulletin No. 17 - Winter 2003
Miscelleanous- No Category
CHARREYRE C
Controlling new and emerging pig diseases.
International Pig Topics, 2003, Volume 18, N?8, 7-10
BO98421
Why and how new viral diseases are emerging in pigs and how can these pathogens be controlled? The pathogen-host-environment triangle undergoes a continuous evolution which opens the gate to new diseases. Influenza viruses are a typical example of how a pathogen can evolve, genetic improvement modifies the host the pathogen deals with and new management practices changes the environment the host lives in. Moreover, the continuous expansion of both the human and domestic animal populations into the areas of wilderness brings about the emergence of previously locally contained pathogens. In any case, it is essential not to overlook any finding even though practical benefit might not be immediately foreseen: all information available on the non-pathogenic PCV1 were indeed very useful when PCV2 made its entrance. In spite of all regulations and available tools swine herds remain vulnerable and the recent outbreaks of foot-and-mouth disease and classical swine fever in the United Kingdom clearly illustrate it. In each case, when dealing with a disease, finding a good economical cost/benefit balance is the overriding factor to consider. To do so, the author underlines the key role of diagnostic laboratories and the importance of always developing diagnostic tests, prophylactic means and therapeutic tools.
