EVALUATION OF THERAPEUTIC REGIMENS FOR TREATING STREPTOCOCCUS SUIS SEROTYPE 14 MENINGITIS IN PIGS
S.F. Amass, B.D. Vyverberg, C.Anderson, C. Dowell, L.A. Grote, L.K. Clark, K.E. Knox and G.W. Stevenson

Abstract
Three therapeutic regimens were tested for their ability to treat meningitis in pigs caused by Streptococcus suis serotype 14. One hundred and ninety two, 10 to 13 day-old pigs were randomly allocated to 4 groups of 48 pigs each, transported to Purdue University, and placed in isolation rooms. At 11 to 17 days of age, pigs were inoculated intravenously with S. suis. Individual pigs exhibiting signs consistent with meningitis were treated using one of four protocols: (1) no treatment; (2) intramuscular (IM) injection with 25 mg ceftiofur, once per day (s.i.d.), for 3 consecutive days; (3) IM injection with 25 mg ceftiofur and 2 mg dexamethasone, s.i.d., for 3 consecutive days; or (4) IM injection with 250 mg ampicillin and 2 mg dexamethasone, s.i.d., for 3 consecutive days. Pigs were humanely euthanised at 7 days post-treatment or when moribund. Significantly more pigs treated with medication had a clinical score of "normal" on the day after the treatment regimen ended when compared to untreated control pigs (<0.007). However, there were no significant differences between groups for clinical recovery, mortality, or isolation of S. suis serotype 14 from cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) at 6 days post-treatment. These results indicate that a revision of standard therapeutic regimens is needed for treatment of streptococcal meningitis in pigs.

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EVALUATION OF ELISA TEST FOR THE DIAGNOSIS OF PORCINE TRICHINELLOSIS
M. Ribicich, M. Miguez, A. Franco, N. Basso, R.H. Gamble, G. Santillan, V. Molina and E. Guarnera

Abstract
The purpose of this work was to validate the ELISA technique for the detection of porcine trichinellosis. Fourteen pigs were experimentally inoculated with doses of 0, 100, 500, 5000 or 50000 larvae of Trichinella spiralis. Inoculated animals were bled periodically to obtain serum. At the termination of the experiment (100 days post-inoculation), pigs were euthanized, skeletal muscle tissue was collected and the rapid artificial digestion method (DAR) used to determine parasite burden. ELISA values for animals in group 0 (uninoculated) remained under the positive cut-off during the entire experimental period (100 days). Inoculated animals developed antibody titers between days 21 and 56 post-inoculation. The ELISA test using Trichinella spiralis excretory/secretory antigen showed 100% sensitivity, and a 100% positive predictive value. Based on these results, it would be advisable to make use of the ELISA test as a tool for epidemiological monitoring in hog production establishments in Argentina and to use the rapid artificial digestion method for pigs in meat-packing plants.

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THE STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE BRITISH PIG INDUSTRY
M. Sloyan

Abstract
Attention is drawn in this paper to the various weaknesses besetting the British pig industry at the present time. Also considered are the measures needed to combat and overcome such problems and so restore the profitability of the industry. To meet such an end, a positive and viable strategy has been devised. The role of the British pig executive (BPEX) in the implementation of such a plan, and indeed the plan itself, is presented in a detailed and cogent way by the author.

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This section includes the Proceedings of the Pig Veterinary Society meeting held at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth, Warwickshire, on 4th and 5th May 2000

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CREATING PROFIT WITHOUT GROWTH PROMOTERS
V.R. Fowler, P. Gill and K. Hillman

Abstract
The previous role of antibiotics as growth promoters is looked at by the authors, together with the reasons for phasing them out. The future of the Pig Industry without such additives is considered and alternative options to their use listed and assessed.

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PORCINE MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME: COMPARISONS WITH BLUE WING DISEASE
W.A. Nash

Abstract
The cause of Porcine Multisystemic Wasting Disease (PMWS) is porcine circovirus type 2. The behaviour of a circovirus of chickens which causes chick anaemia virus disease (and blue wing ) is discussed.
Both viruses are immunosuppressive, resistant in the environment and thought to be enhanced by the presence of pre- or co-infections with other viruses and bacteria.
Three cases of PMWS in Great Britain confirmed by finding PCV2 in tissues are described.
The finding of virus only in herds with typical clinical signs suggests that the cause is PCV2.
Chick anaemia virus may give an insight into disease mechanisms in pigs and an indication as to how PMWS can be controlled.

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POSTWEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME - CLINICAL EXPERIENCES WITH THE "MILLENNIUM BUG"
R.A. Potter

Abstract
Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome of pigs (PMWS) had not been recognised in Great Britain until the autumn of 1999. Since then the disease has been reported widely from Southern England and East Anglia. This paper presents the clinical picture for a number of affected herds. Conventional approaches to treatment and control seem to produce very poor results. Possible reasons for this are discussed, along with a proposed mechanism for the disease.

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PORCINE DERMATITIS AND NEPHROPATHY SYNDROME (PDNS) AND POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING DISEASE (PMWS); PATHOLOGY, VIROLOGY AND CIRCOVIRUSES
S.H. Done, A. Gresham, G. Jackson, D. Harwood, N. Giles, R.A. Potter, D. Chennells and J.R. Thomson

Abstract
PDNS and PMWS are two diseases currently exercising veterinary attention in the UK. Although recorded here as far back as 1993, much is obscure and many facets of these syndromes remain to be revealed and clarified. Throwing fresh light on the subject, the authors have drawn together knowledge already attained elsewhere, as well as field and laboratory studies carried out in this country. The link with circoviruses and other infectious agents or immune modulations is examined and case histories, both here and overseas, outlined. Symptoms and post-mortem findings, together with results of histological and other laboratory examinations are recorded in meticulous detail. In addition, general characteristics of circoviruses are listed and latest experimental work collated. The effect of stress and bacterial involvement (e.g. P.multocida) may be of some consequence in the manifestation of these particular diseases.

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PRACTICAL PROBLEMS OF CARCASS DISPOSAL
R.M. Kay

Abstract
National and E.U. legislation, together with derivative local bye-laws, with respect to carcass disposal in the U.K., are at best lengthy, wordy and, at times, seemingly contradictory. This paper attempts to unravel much of the confusion that exists and presents a rational consideration of those methods of disposal, which are currently permissible.

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ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF CARCASS DISPOSAL
W.E. Morgan Morrow, P.R. Ferket and T. Middleton

Abstract
The practicalities of carcass disposal in the USA are examined in detail and parallels drawn with analogous situations prevailing in the UK. Environmental concerns and public opinion generally, together with the political sanctions generated, are set out and viable alternative systems sympathetic to these concerns are highlighted.

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PERSONAL EXPERIENCES OF POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME AND PORCINE DERMATITIS NEPHROPATHY SYNDROME
P. Spillane

Abstract
Both PMWS and PDNS have been recorded in Eire in the past eight years. In this paper, some four cases of PMWS and 5 cases of PDNS, seen in the local practice, are fully described by the author. Special reference is made to the clinical and post-mortem features of these syndromes, together with the laboratory findings.

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PARSNIP PHYTO-PHOTOSENSITIVITY
J. Hayden

Abstract
A photosensitive reaction to parsnips in two herds is recorded by the author. Various predisposing factors are looked at and the specific action of Furocoumarins described. The overall effects on the herds under review are set out and ways to avert future problems discussed.

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AN OUTBREAK OF CONGENITAL PIG POX
A.M. Barlow and C. Grist

Abstract
The pathogenesis of congenital Pig Pox is discussed. A single outbreak is described with details of gross lesions.

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THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS ON PIG FARMS AND PIG PRODUCERS' OPINIONS ABOUT THE USE OF ANTIBIOTICS
M.K. Espetvedt

Abstract
(PIG VETERINARY SOCIETY BURSARY ARTICLE)

This paper outlines a recent study undertaken by the author. It includes a brief review of antibiotics used on pig farms and the way in which they are presented. It also touches on the views expressed by farmers themselves regarding the use of such antibiotics and the possible alternatives available to them.

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CURRENT AND FUTURE PCR DIAGNOSTIC TECHNOLOGY FOR PIG DISEASES
J.R. Thomson, R.A. Williams, J.D. Dick and K. Sumption

Abstract
(This paper was presented at the PIC and Elanco Pig Veterinary Conference at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth in December 1999. The paper is presented for publication in The Pig Journal with the permission of the conference organisers).

Abstract

Tests developed from the polymerase chain reaction technique (PCR) arose originally from various research projects. Such tests have, over the last eight years, been used as an aid in the diagnosis and confirmation of certain pig diseases. The value of these tests lies in their ability to detect pathogens, difficult to measure by other means. In this paper, the authors give details of the technique, as well as a list of those organisms currently tested for. Those include Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Bronchyspira (Serpulina) species and PRRS virus. Future possibilities for PCR are discussed and evaluated.

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ROTAVIRUS IN PIGS
S.H. Done

Abstract
A full and comprehensive description of rotaviruses is presented by the author, with reference to the characteristics and typing of these organisms and the differential diagnosis of the disease in neonatal weaner pigs. The epidemilogy, diagnosis, pathology and amelioration of the disease by immunoprophylaxis and modified management regimes are ably set out and the pathogenesis of the virus examined.

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VACCINATION AGAINST PRRS INFECTION
J.S. Richardson

Abstract
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) has adversely affected UK pig performance in both breeding and finishing enterprises since 1991. The effects of the PRRS virus in positive herds has been to enhance the effects of other viral and bacterial infections. This has been particularly apparent in respect of respiratory disease. Sub-optimal performance has often been attributed to PRRS. With the advent of a vaccine, UK vets can offer their pig farmer clients a means of controlling PRRS.

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