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| Refereed Section |
"FOUR LEGS GOOD" - A REVIEW OF PIG BEHAVIOUR p.7-51
by C.E. Allen, S.T. Bradley and R.P. Chilcott
Abstract
Pigs display a range of signs that are indicative of normal and abnormal behaviour. The study of normal behaviour is essential for being able to identify abnormal behaviour and its causative factors which can subsequently be avoided to promote good animal welfare in the laboratory or meat production facility. Quantifying abnormal behaviour also has application for the investigation of basic physiological responses, mechanisms or effects of therapeutic agents. The purpose of this paper is to provide a basic overview of normal and abnormal pig behaviour within the scientific and farming environments.Order:
ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN PORCINE BACTERIA p.52-69
by Chris Teale
Abstract
The emergence of bacteria in pigs that are resistant to antimicrobials may have important consequences for both human and animal health. The Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) performs ongoing monitoring of the antimicrobial susceptibility of selected bacteria recovered from cases of clinical disease in pigs. In addition, surveys of the antimicrobial resistance of bacteria carried by pigs at the point of slaughter in Great Britain have been recently completed by the VLA. A feature of both these types of surveillance monitoring has been the moderate to high levels of resistance detected in a number of bacteria of porcine origin to macrolides, tetracyclines and sulphonamides.
Therapeutic options are becoming limited for some bacteria from pigs; in particular some definitive types of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype Typhimurium show a wide spectrum of resistance. Strains of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae have also emerged that are resistant to many of the antimicrobials formerly useful in treatment. Amongst the commensal flora, Campylobacter coli with high levels of resistance to erythromycin and emergent resistance to ciprofloxacin have been detected in pigs at slaughter. It is unlikely that the therapeutic armoury of antimicrobials available for the treatment of pig diseases will increase significantly in the near future, therefore reliance on antimicrobials to maintain production systems with inherent husbandry faults is likely to be ultimately unsustainable.
Note printing error: in the tables Ìg should be µgOrder:
EVALUATION OF THE FIELD EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF A MYCOPLASMA HYOPNEUMONIAE VACCINE IN FINISHING PIGS p.70-83
by D. Llopart, J. Casal, J. Clota, I. Navarra, R. March, P. Riera and C. Artigas
Abstract
The safety and efficacy of an inactivated vaccine against M. hyopneumoniae (MYPRAVAC SUIS - Laboratorios Hipra) was evaluated under field conditions on 706 piglets at seven to ten days of age from three different commercial Large White x Landrace breeding units. Two treatment groups were established within each unit: Group One was vaccinated then revaccinated 21 days later. Group Two was treated with a placebo following the same schedule as Group 0ne. At eight weeks of age, the piglets were transferred to a growing-finishing building with a 700-pig capacity. Mortality rates were recorded and cause of death determined by microbiological analysis. Body Weight, Carcass Weight, Daily Weight Gain, Food Consumption, Food Conversion Rate and days of occupation were evaluated at the end of the trial. Pulmonary lesions caused by M. hyopneumoniae were scored at slaughter.
Seroconversion was evident in 100 per cent and 94.3 per cent of the vaccinated and control samples respectively. Histopathology and Direct Immunofluorescence confirmed that both groups had been in contact with M. hyopneumoniae. The results showed that the vaccine provoked neither fever (p 0.05), nor local reaction although two piglets did vomit 30 min. after vaccination. Significant differences were found when evaluating the productive parameters between groups. Group 0ne presented a significant reduction (p< 0.00001) of the pulmonary lesions attributed to M. hyopneumoniae compared with Group Two.Order:
A MODEL FOR THE EXPERIMENTAL INDUCTION OF GLÄSSER'S DISEASE IN PIGLETS p.84-91
by B. de Bleser, J.H. Morgan, S. Eassty and L. Gardey
Abstract
Two experimental infection studies were performed to establish a reproducible model for Glässer's Disease (GD) in five to six-week-old weaner gilts. In the first study, five isolates of Haemophilus parasuis were screened for their potential pathogenicity using intravenous (IV) injection of a challenge dose containing 109 colony-forming units (CFU). Only one strain induced acute clinical signs and pathology consistent with GD, with clinical onset within 15 hours. To obtain a less acute experimental disease with a longer incubation period, the second study used the virulent strain with lower doses by IV injection (108 and 107 CFU per piglet) and also used the intraperitoneal (IP) route of administration (using 109 and 108 CFU).
Both infection protocols resulted in clinical GD, with seven out of eight piglets affected by IP challenge, and five out of eight affected by IV challenge. Results showed that not all field isolates of Haemophilus parasuis are virulent, whilst the route of infection and the challenge dose used seem to be important factors in determining the outcome of experimental infection. For production of an acute model of disease for efficacy testing of antimicrobials, a dose of approximately 108 cfu of virulent strain CRL 0037/001/00 by intraperitoneal injection is recommended.Order:
| Short Communication |
THE EFFECT OF DIFFERENT LYSINE LEVELS IN THE FOOD ON POST-WEANING PIGLET PERFORMANCE p.92-102
by B.G. Baumann and G. Bilkei
Abstract
Low protein levels combined with high dietary fibre positively influence post-weaning (PW) Escherichia (E.) coli caused enteric diseases. On the other hand, practical experience shows that in case of PW wasting (PWW), higher than generally suggested amino acid levels in the feed are needed.
In a large commercial pig unit with a high prevalence of E. coli associated post-weaning problems, the following trial has been conducted. Four 4 week-old weaned piglets, suffering PWW were randomly selected for the trial. The piglets were assigned to 4 trial groups. The groups received a similar weaning formula with the following different lysine contents:The average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily food intake (AFI) and average food conversion (FC) were evaluated.
Group one (479 piglets): 1%
Group two (482 piglets): 1.3 %
Group three (479 piglets): 1.6 %
Group four (480 piglets): 1.9 %
The results showed that the piglets which received the weaning formula with 1% lysine had less ADG (significant p<0.05) and greater FC and AFI than those with 1.3%, 1.6% or 1.9% lysine. The best ADG, AFI and FC were shown produced by the group receiving 1.6% lysine in their food.
The authors show that piglets suffering PWW need higher amino acid levels than piglets of normal body condition and health.Order:
| Proceedings Section |
This section includes the Proceedings of the Pig Veterinary Society meeting held at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth, Warwickshire, on 15th and 16th November 2001 EXPERIENCES IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PORCINE MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS) ON A FARM IN EAST ANGLIA p.103-109
by Ian Dennis
Abstract
In the autumn of 1999, the first case of Porcine Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) was diagnosed in the UK and, by the summer of 2000, it was prevalent in a high percentage of herds in East Anglia. Initially, cases were treated with various regimes, including a range of antibiotics. Neither treatment nor prophylactic medication had any significant impact, and so a more radical approach was recommended. This was essentially to change continuous flow systems to batch systems, in combination with high levels of hygiene. To undertake this, the available pig places on each unit had to be reassessed. Breeding herd capacity of the unit was then dependent on the weaner accommodation available. The initial unit to undertake the changes saw immediate improvement in post-weaning mortality, with fewer signs of PMWS. This has been repeated on other farms.Order:
PORCINE MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS) p.110-112
by W.A. Nash
Abstract
This short paper makes 2 key points:
1. Fluid accumulation in the lungs is the major precursor of secondary pneumonia
2. Lymph nodes enlarge before other gross or histopathological lesions develop
Porcine Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) is rife in Great Britain. Mortalities even as high 96% have been recorded. More typical is mortality of 10-20% but the question is, how long can producers stay in business without solving the problem?Order:
THE INTERPRETATION OF LABORATORY TEST RESULTS FOR PIGS p.113-133
by A.C.J. Gresham
Abstract
Laboratory tests are carried out for a number of purposes. No test is perfect; but an understanding of the test, the type and number of sample(s) required and the disease/infection for which testing is carried out are essential to allow meaningful interpretation of results. It is important to note that, without other information, a laboratory result alone is not a diagnosis.Order:
EXPERIENCES WITH PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS) CONTROL PROGRAMMES IN ITALY p.134-154
by P. Martelli
Abstract
This paper seeks to provide an update on some features of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and particularly on epidemiology, diagnosis and control measures. The transmission, spread and persistence of the virus in carrier animals are still worth investigating, as control protocols (elimination/eradication and stabilisation) primarily depend on these epidemiological aspects. In the context of control programmes, vaccination plays an important role. Before the application of a vaccination policy at herd level, a correct diagnosis is necessary, involving clinical evidence, serology, virological examinations and pathology. A follow-up of the control measures, based on routinely applied diagnostic tests is the key factor for a successful strategy, as the epidemiology of the infection is not static but dynamic. Reports from Italian field cases of control through vaccination are described.Order:
INTERNATIONAL BIOSECURITY: ARE THERE ANY EXOTIC ANIMAL DISEASES LEFT? p.155-169
by C.J.M. Scheepens
Abstract
Recent outbreaks of new (PMWS / PDNS) and old list A diseases emphasise the need to increase understanding of biosecurity in European pork chain systems. To remain competitive in the meat production sector, it is necessary to understand the importance of disease-causing organisms, their possible reservoirs, ways of transmission and chances of introduction into a particular system. With the introduction of new pathogens into the herd - and depending on herd response - measures must be taken to reduce their effect.
Ways of improving general biosecurity are given. These focus on those aspects of disease control that can be improved by individual pig producers in conjunction with their veterinarians. Quantitative epidemiological studies recently carried out have led to a better understanding of the influence of relatively simple biosecurity measures in reducing pathogen-reservoirs and their transmission.Order:
THE SALMONELLA "PROGRAMME" IN DENMARK: STRUCTURE AND WAYS OUT OF THE INFECTION p.170-181
by L.T. Krarup
Abstract
This paper sets out in broad terms the ways in which Denmark has sought to reduce the weight of Salmonella infection in its pig population. The motivation for this was to also reduce the number of cases of human Salmonella recorded in the country. The basic approach to such a control system, involving slaughterhouse, laboratory and on-farm monitoring, is described in detail by the author.Order:
DEALING WITH THE FARM FIRE p.176-181
by M.E.C. White
Abstract
A fire in a livestock unit is the ultimate animal welfare problem and represents one of the most distressing events that stockmen and the veterinary surgeon are required to deal with. And yet, there is little guidance available to either undergraduates or qualified veterinary surgeons on how to deal with a problem that usually arises as an out of hours emergency when little back up advice may be available.
This paper is intended as a practical guide to dealing with a fire in a pig farm, particularly from the perspective of the attending veterinary surgeon, who may well only arrive after the fire has been brought under control and is thus required to deal with the immediate aftermath.Order:
IN-WATER TREATMENT OF GLÄSSER'S DISEASE IN PIGLETS WITH AMOXYCILLIN (SURAMOX®50) p.182-183
by B. de Bleser, J.H. Morgan, S. Eassty and L. Gardey
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to test the efficacy of SURAMOX®50 (Laboratoires Virbac, France), a patented stabilised formulation of amoxycillin against experimentally induced Glässer's Disease (GD) in weaner piglets when given as an in-water metaphylactic treatment. The study was performed as a randomised, placebo-controlled blinded study. The principal measure for assessing efficacy was the difference in survival rate.Order:
THE EVOLUTION OF PORCINE DERMATITIS AND NEPHROPATHY SYNDROME (PDNS) AND POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS) ON ONE UNIT p.184-201
by S.H. Done, D. Hicks, L. Terry, A.C.J. Gresham, S. Williamson, D. Chennells, L. Taylor, D. Armstrong, T. Demmers, R. White and C. Wathes
Abstract
The longitudinal evolution of PDNS/PMWS in one herd is described. All the major ingredients were present in the herd: PRRS, Swine influenza, PRCV, PCV-1, PCV-2, PCMV, PPV and most potential bacterial pathogens including P.multocida (but not toxigenic type D which is associated with progressive atrophic rhinitis) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, although these have occurred in the past. Post-mortem examination was carried out on batches of pigs at five, ten and twelve weeks of age and at slaughter at 85kg. These pigs were the subject of a study of the effects of respiratory pollutants, which was carried out over a period of four years commencing in 1999.
Most of the pigs in this study have shown enlarged hyperplastic tracheobronchial lymph nodes and interstitial pneumonia since the start of the experiment; but now this has progressed to a full-blown PMWS outbreak.
In the autumn of 2001, clinical and pathological signs consistent with PMWS were identified. Pigs were grossly pale, wasted, hairy and with enlarged lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph nodes from affected pigs now show lymphocytic depletion and giant cells whereas this was not evident before. Immunohistochemical positivity for PCV-2 has been demonstrated in the lymph nodes of these pigs. This, together with the gross and pathological findings, confirms the presence of PMWS in this group of pigs.
This sequential longitudinal study is the first to follow the clinical and gross pathological progression into PMWS and PDNS and the changes in the lymph nodes. This study suggests that hyperplastic lymph node changes may precede the gross pathology, clinical signs and the typical histopathology described in the literature (lymphocyte depletion, giant cells and inclusions). These changes may represent the classical porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) situation seen in the USA, which is customarily associated with circovirus infection (Sorden, 2001).Order:
General Section
LESSONS LEARNT FROM RECENT FOOT AND MOUTH DISEASE (FMD) AND HOG CHOLERA OUTBREAKS IN THE UK p.202-214
by S.H. Done, A.C.J. Gresham, H. Morris, D. Paton, J.D. Mackinnon and P. Kitching
Abstract
One of the authors was personally involved at the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food's (MAFF, defunct) Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) Control Centre in London during the recent epidemic. In this paper, he draws on his considerable experiences there to analyse the reasons for the epidemic, its causes and the manifold problems encountered in trying to stem the disease spread. He is able to draw too on his experiences in the Classical Swine Fever (CSF) outbreaks of the previous year. The paper highlights, in a terse and succinct way, the strengths and weaknesses of both control policies; the deficiencies in management in the way these disease situations were handled and, in particular, the lessons that should have been learned, but were not, from the epidemics of the past. In all, it constitutes a salutary warning to both the politicians and their professional and, all too often, non-professional advisers for the future.Order:
POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS) THE CURRENT EUROPEAN SITUATION* p.215-232
by S.H. Done, M. Bailey, A.C.J. Gresham, M.E.C. White, R.A. Potter, D. Chennells and J. Thomson
Abstract
* This paper was first presented at the Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine Conference for Swine Practitioners, November 8th-9th 2001 at Ames, Iowa and subsequently at the John Walton Pig Day, December 13th 2001, Leahurst, Liverpool. In Europe, Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) is associated with two disease entities, namely PWMS itself and Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS). Originally thought to be separate entities, in many cases they have occurred together on the same farm and could be part of the same over all disease syndrome. PDNS is described first and then PMWS, with special regard to the situation in Europe. The original history of PMWS in Canada is not touched on, nor is its detailed aetiology. The paper concentrates primarily on the clinical features of the disease.
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© Copyright The Pig Journal 2002