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Pig Journal Volume: 47
Publication date: April 2001

Refereed Section

EXPERIENCES WITH THE ERADICATION OF AUJESZKY'S DISEASE FROM SMALL PIG HERDS IN DEVAVANYA, BEKES COUNTY, HUNGARY, 1998-2000
A. Pallaghy and I. Szabo

Abstract
Pig breeding and the size of the pig population are major factors in determining the performance of the agricultural sector in Hungary. A unique feature of Hungarian pig husbandry is the high ratio of small, so-called "backyard" farms within the total pig population. Although the attitude of politics to small-scale producers was variable in different historical periods, this sector of production was always important for the rural population as a source of additional income and economically produced food for their own consumption (Fig. 1).
For those reasons, pig farms of a small size will exist for a long time. However, like large herds, such small farms may be affected with certain infectious diseases and can harbour and spread their pathogenic agents. The special methods of keeping animals, the efforts of small-scale producers to keep the production costs to a minimal level, and less emphasis laid on the strict requirements for the production of "quality" products make this back-yard sector a major hazard to the epizootiological status of the entire national pig population.

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THE EFFECT OF VACCINATION AGAINST Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae ON HEALTH AND SOME PRODUCTION PARAMETERS IN OUTDOOR AND INDOOR UNITS
A. Docic and G. Bilkei

Abstract
To determine the effect of vaccination on indoor and outdoor pigs the following trial was conducted. Four hundred and thirty piglets were randomly allocated to vaccinated or non-vaccinated indoor and outdoor groups (G). The trial was conducted during spring - summer, under pleasant continental weather conditions
The following parameters were evaluated:
  • Antibody levels against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (MH),
  • Lung lesions,
  • Average Daily Gain (ADG),
  • Food Conversion Ratio (FCR).
    The majority of indoor animals showed positive titres at slaughter against MH (G1, 76.02 % and G2, 76.80 %) while the outdoor animals showed, in both groups, more than 90 % negative (G3, 94.41 % vs. G 4, 91.69 %).
  • The indoor non-vaccinated animals (G2) presented highly significantly more lung lesions (P<0.001). The MH antibody titres were positively correlated (P<0.05) with the severity of lung lesions at slaughter.
  • With ADG there was a significant difference between the indoor non-vaccinated pigs (G2) when compared to the other groups (P<0.001). FC showed no differences between the 4 groups.
The authors conclude that in unfavourable indoor environments, vaccination of pigs for MH is possibly a way to improve production. On outdoor units MH vaccination (even where there is a high prevalence of MH) does not significantly improve the performance of the animals.

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Proceedings Section

This section includes the Proceedings of the Pig Veterinary Society meeting held at Bosworth Hall Hotel, Market Bosworth, Warwickshire, on 16th and 17th November 2000

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GLOBAL TRENDS IN PIG PRODUCTION; PRESENT AND FUTURE
P. Best

Abstract
The author, a leading analyst of the Pig Industry, looks at past, present and future aspects of world-wide pig production. Trends in production are overall linked to regional rather than national markets. Changes in world trade are examined, with special reference to those regional trading blocs that have grown up over the last few decades. In addition, the growth in exports to Japan, coinciding with a dramatic fall in domestic production, has provided major opportunities for Denmark and the U.S.A. Another feature of international trade was the cessation of funded food aid to Russia in the 1990s, with a knock-on effect to those erstwhile suppliers in the EU and N. America.

Future prospects are highlighted in this paper, with a figure of 121 million tonnes quoted for world-wide pigmeat production in 2030 - an increase of 42 million tonnes in a 35 year period. Factors affecting future capabilities are looked at in detail. These include availability of animal feed and skilled labour and the growth of slaughterhouse facilities to adequately process the pigs produced. Last, but not least, land and environmental factors will also strongly impinge on the overall prospects, together with the possible increased re-location of both units and specialist expertise on a multi-national basis.

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MODERN UK PRODUCTION - THE WAY FORWARD (VIEW FROM AN INTEGRATED PIG PRODUCTION COMPANY)
J. Willox

Abstract
The author describes in stark detail the operation of a specific commercial pig enterprise. Figures are set out for all aspects of production and conclusions drawn on the success of the regime currently practised.

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EFFICIENT SOW MANAGEMENT - Three-week batching in practice
M. Hawe

Abstract
The ongoing pig crisis has resulted in a major restructuring of the Northern Ireland pig industry, with producers examining more efficient methods of production or off-farm employment. Three-week batch production provides an acceptable solution to both. With this system of production, three weeks' sows are grouped into one larger batch. This means that only farrowing, weaning or service takes place on the farm each week. This enables producers to specialise on each task. Planning is critical to ensure transition to three-week batching is possible and that accommodation is adjusted to suit batch production following the change. Gilt management also requires special attention to ensure the correct number of replacements, in the correct condition, is available when required. This production system allows for increased attention to newly farrowed pigs, improved fostering, ease of feeding lactating sows, easier grouping of sows at weaning, better heat detection and identification of repeats and an increased possibility of operating an all-in/all-out system in both the breeding and feeding herds. These advantages often result in increased performance and more efficient use of labour.

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PIG HEALTH PROBLEMS IN A LARGE INTEGRATED FARMING COMPANY AND THEIR CONTROL THROUGH MODERN BIOSECURITY AND ASSESSMENT METHODS
R.T. Pallas Alonso and M. Del Pozo Vegas

Abstract
The general impact of diseases on pig health status and its consequent constraints on management and feeding regimes are discussed in this paper. Special reference is made to the various units of a large farming conglomerate operating in Central Spain. Biosecurity and overall aspects of disease control and prevention are examined in detail by the authors.

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APPLICATION FOR SEROLOGICAL ANALYSIS FOR ACTINOBACILLUS PLEUROPNEUMONIAE IN DANISH PIG HEALTH PROGRAMMES
V. Sorensen

Abstract
Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae is the causative agent of porcine pleuropneumoniae, which is a major problem in pig production throughout the world. This paper describes the serological surveillance of A. pleuropneumoniae in two health programmes established in Denmark (DK) with the aim of keeping the infection out of the pig herds participating in the programmes. Furthermore, infection monitoring in multi-site production systems is discussed regarding A. pleuropneumoniae. A. pleuropneumoniae serotype 2 and 6 are the predominant serotypes in DK. The virulence of the different serotypes as they appear in DK is discussed. The serological assays used for surveillance in DK are described taking serological cross-reactions into consideration. Blocking ELISAs are used for serotypes 2 and 8. Indirect ELISAs are used for serotype 5 and complement fixation tests can be used for serotypes 1-12. The herd level sensitivities for the serotype 2 assays used were estimated to 1.00 (0.59-1.00) for the ELISA and 0.57 (0.18-0.90) for the complement fixation test. The herd level specificities were 0.86-0.89 and 0.98-1.00, respectively.

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ASPECTS OF PIG PRACTICE IN DENMARK, LOSING THE 'RIGHT TO DISPENSE' AND THE EFFECT OF BANNING GROWTH PROMOTERS
P.H. Rathken

Abstract
In 1995, the Danish veterinarians lost the right to sell medicine. In the beginning it meant a considerable decrease in income based on the sales of medicine. However, at the same time, the legislation was changed, which meant that henceforth pig farms should have 12 advisory visits a year and that increased the need for advisory veterinarians.

At the same time, a structural development occurred in the Danish pork production. Bigger farms and changed production increased the need for more advice. In 1999, a ban on growth promoters for pigs was adopted. This, together with a problematic harvest in 1999, meant further problems for Danish pork production and more work for veterinarians.

So what at first looked like a disaster for veterinarians ended up increasing the number of jobs. The general technical level amongst pig veterinarians in Denmark increased because of the increased need for consulting. Income did not decrease because work had to increase for the same income.

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FOOD SAFETY IN THE BRITISH PIGMEAT PRODUCTION AND MARKETING CHAIN
D. Armstrong

Abstract
The production and marketing of safe, wholesome pork, bacon, ham and other pork products is of paramount importance to British farmers, processors, retailers, food service companies and those that supply them. It is not possible to guarantee the complete absence of bacteria in meat production. Most bacteria found on meat are harmless, but some can cause foodborne disease. Control processes to reduce or eliminate food safety risks are applied to every stage of the production and marketing chain from the farm to the consumer.

Key approaches to reducing the risk of foodborne disease include: reduction of zoonotic pathogens in slaughter pigs; prevention of cross- contamination during activities such as transport and slaughter; safe processing of foods underpinned by HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point); safe handling and preparation of food in the retail and catering sectors, including the adoption of HACCP principles and effective enforcement; safe handling and preparation of food in the home and enhanced surveillance of foodborne disease to monitor effectiveness of controls. The farming sector has demonstrated that it is proactive on food safety and is incorporating the MAFF Code of Practice for the Prevention and Control of Salmonella on Pig Farms into the farm assurance schemes.

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CHARACTERISTICS OF LAWSONIA INTRACELLULARIS PATHOGENESIS: RECENT RESEARCH AND POTENTIAL BENEFITS
D.G.E. Smith

Abstract
Lawsonia intracellularis is defined clearly as the causative agent of proliferative enteropathies (PE). Disease continues to present significant problems worldwide. This bacterium has developed what appears to be a unique relationship with animal hosts and studies have focussed on molecular characterisation of L. intracellularis and examination of the host-pathogen relationship at cellular and molecular levels. The following is a brief review of work which has been conducted over the past 3 years together with an appraisal of possible benefits to the pig industry.

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SOME CLINICAL AND EPIDEMIOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF AN OUTBREAK OF CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER (CSF) IN EAST ANGLIA IN 2000*
J.D. Mackinnon

Abstract
*Also submitted to the State Veterinary Journal

A concise and detailed account of the Classical Swine Fever (CSF) outbreaks, occurring in East Anglia during the year 2000, is presented by the author. All aspects of the disease are covered, including epidemiology, clinical features and post-mortem findings. Effects of environment, husbandry and pig disposals are also recorded.

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THE LESIONS OF CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER COMPARED TO THE LESIONS OF PMWS AND PDNS
A. Gresham, S.H. Done, S. Williamson and G. Jackson

Abstract
The authors record details of recent classical swine fever (CSF) cases occurring in East Anglia (August-November 2000). The post-mortem lesions of CSF are listed and comparisons made with other pig disease entities, including porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS), porcine multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) and African swine fever (ASF).

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ERADICATION OF AUJESZKY'S DISEASE IN A 170 SOW BIRTH TO BACON UNIT
D. Stewart

Abstract
An outbreak of clinical Aujeszky's disease causing nervous signs and deaths in piglets in a 170 sow birth to bacon unit was investigated. The control measures introduced and the vaccination programme carried out are outlined. The cost of the outbreak and associated sequelae, including the loss of approximately 200 pigs and the veterinary costs are assessed. The source of infection is discussed. The response to vaccination was monitored leading to the eventual elimination of the disease from the unit.

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LINKS BETWEEN POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME AND PORCINE DERMATITIS NEPHROPATHY SYNDROME
A. Gresham, G. Allan, F. McNeilly and S. Kennedy

Abstract
(Presented at Pig Veterinary Society Meeting, May, 2000)

Preface
Since this paper was presented to the Society in May 2000, an outbreak of Classical Swine Fever occurred in East Anglia in England in August 2000. The similarities of PMWS and PDNS to swine fever are of particular concern and have resulted in many reports of suspected swine fever both before and after swine fever was confirmed. It is imperative that where disease in pigs cannot be differentiated from swine fever, the suspicion of swine fever must be reported immediately to the regulatory authorities, i.e. the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food. A paper by Dr Stan Done and others describing these similarities will be published shortly in "In Practice."

Abstract
Fifty-eight incidents of porcine dermatitis nephropathy syndrome (PDNS) were recorded by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) from July 1999 to the end of March 2000. This compares to an annual average of nine incidents of PDNS per year recorded by the VLA between 1993 (when PDNS was first described) and December 1998. The VLA, between January and June 1999, recorded no incidents of PDNS.

Before 1999 the mortality due to PDNS in affected herds was usually low (<1%) (White and Higgins, 1993). However, in outbreaks of PDNS which occurred in Great Britain (GB) from July 1999, the within-herd case fatality ranged from 0.25 to 20% and averaged 7 to 10%. Many such outbreaks of PDNS occurred in herds which had previously experienced outbreaks of post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Nevertheless, some incidents had low mortality (<1%) reminiscent of the pre-1999 "sporadic" PDNS incidents.

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COMBINED PMWS AND PDNS: CLINICAL APPEARANCE IN REARING AND FINISHING PIGS
V. Peritogianni

Abstract
(Presented at Pig Veterinary Society Meeting, May, 2000)

This paper describes the clinical signs and the gross post mortem findings of Porcine Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) and Porcine Dermatitis Nephropathy Syndrome (PDNS) in growing and fattening pigs based on observations of 100 clinical outbreaks. Attempts to control these syndromes and their results are also described.

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Short Communications

THE EFFECT OF POST-PARTAL PROSTAGLANDIN F2 a APPLICATION ON SOME OF THE SUBSEQUENT REPRODUCTIVE PARAMETERS OF SOWS WITH OR WITHOUT ANTEPARTAL VULVOVAGINAL DISCHARGE
B. Baumann and G. Bilkei

Abstract
In an Eastern European pig production unit, 2 groups of sows, one without an antepartal (a.p.) vulvovaginal discharge (VD) (group 1, n=2001) and one with a VD (group 2, n=199) were selected for the trial. All the sows received 1 ml Estrumate® inj. (250 µg/ml prostaglandin analogue, Essex, D-München) intravulvally within 24 hours postpartum (p.p.).
The following parameters were evaluated:
  1. The percentage of the sows with signs of periparturient diseases.
  2. Weaning to oestrus interval.
  3. Subsequent total - born litter size.
In group one (having no a.p. VD), the incidence of periparturient diseases was significantly (p<0.05) less than in group two. There was a significant (p<0.05) difference in weaning to oestrus interval between group one (5.94+/-0.66) and group two (6.66 +/-0.69). As regards subsequent total born litter size there was no significant difference between the two groups.

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