THE COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF ANTIMICROBIALS FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF ENZOOTIC PNEUMONIA AND SOME OF THEIR PHARMACOKINETIC/PHARMACODYNAMIC RELATIONSHIPS
D.G.S. Burch

Abstract
Enzootic pneumonia is a widespread respiratory disease of swine, caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. It has been a difficult disease to control with the use of medication. The purpose of this paper is to examine the activity of various antimicrobials, both in vitro and in vivo, and to attempt to correlate their pharmacokinetics in both blood and lung with their activity and efficacy. From this analysis, some basic pharmacodynamic relationships, applicable to both bactericidal and bacteriostatic antimicrobials, can be established.

Add to Basket

EFFECT OF FERMENTABLE DIETARY FIBRE ON PIG PERFORMANCE IN A LARGE UNIT INFECTED WITH ENDEMIC SWINE DYSENTERY
C. Mauch and G. Bilkei

Abstract
In a large Hungarian finishing unit, 5637 pigs were allocated to 10 large barns and treated until slaughter as follows: Group 1 (n =2722): fed with a diet containing 9.6% high fermentable neutral detergent fibre. Group 2 (n =2915): fed with food containing 6.1 % low fermentable neutral detergent fibre.

In each group, the 200 smallest pigs were selected as test subjects (= 7.35% in group 1 and 6.86% in group 2). The animals were subjected to the following diagnostic procedures: faecal shedding of B. hyodysenteriae, antibody response, clinical signs, growth performance, and gross and microscopic lesions specific for swine dysentery (SD).

Seroconversion to, and faecal shedding of, B. hyodysenteriae was diagnosed in the majority of pigs at day 30 after transport to the finishing unit. At necropsy, 187 animals in group one and all pigs in group two showed SD specific gross pathological lesions in the colon. All animals in both groups showed histological lesions in the colon, which were typical for SD. The clinical impressions and diarrhoea scores showed significant differences (p<0.05) between the animals fed with 9.6 % high fermentable fibre and those fed with 6.1 % low fermentable fibre. Production parameters showed no significant differences, but the mortality rate differed significantly between the two groups (p<0.05 - [4.07% in group 1 and 7.07% in group 2]). High fermentable neutral detergent fibre positively influences the clinical expression and productivity in finishing pigs infected with endemic swine dysentery.

Add to Basket

ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE IN PORCINE BACTERIA IN ENGLAND AND WALES 1998-2002 - AN UPDATE
C.J. Teale

Abstract
Surveillance monitoring by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) of the antimicrobial susceptibility of selected bacteria recovered from cases of clinical disease in pigs and other animals has been taking place since 1998. Moderate to high levels of resistance to macrolides, tetracyclines and sulphonamides have been detected over the monitoring period in a number of bacteria of porcine origin. There was a marked increase in resistance to trimethoprim/sulphonamides in Salmonella Typhimurium strains recovered from pigs in 2002. In 2001, parallel trends in increasing multiple resistance in Escherichia coli and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae may have reflected the effects of infection of herds with PMWS and increased antimicrobial treatment. Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae isolates recovered from pigs showed a decline in resistance to tylosin, from 90% in 1999 to 59% in 2002 and this coincided with the period of withdrawal of tylosin as a growth promoter. The main resistances of concern to pig production from the animal health perspective remain resistance in Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and Salmonella enterica. Development or spread of resistance in strains of Salmonella enterica also carries significant public health implications. The UK pig industry needs to remain vigilant regarding the import of resistant strains of porcine bacteria into the UK. Even bacterial species that could be considered endemic to the UK (e.g. Streptococcus suis) could prove to be highly significant to UK pig production if the imported organisms carry resistance genes that are currently rare or absent from the bacteria currently found in UK pigs.

Add to Basket

PIG INDUSTRY RESPONSE TO DEFRA HEALTH AND WELFARE STRATEGY
S. Houston

Abstract
The pig industry has welcomed the opportunity to work with the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Scottish Executive and the Welsh Assembly Government in the preparation of the Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain. The industry has agreed that the time is appropriate to consider a strategy for pig health and welfare for the next decade. The industry is already striving to fulfil its role as a key component in the food chain, against a background of a very competitive market place. The UK pig industry has adopted welfare measures that are among the strictest in the world and uniquely, through its network of farm assurance schemes, can assure consumers of compliance. The priorities for action outlined in the Strategy for British Pig Health and Welfare are necessary to achieve the objectives of the Government's Animal Health and Welfare Strategy for the pig industry. The delivery of such strategy is dependent on the resources available and the commitment to achieving the goals. Veterinary expertise is recognized as one of the key resources that the pig industry will require to deliver real improvements in pig health and welfare.

Add to Basket

BIOSECURITY - A POULTRY PRIMARY BREEDERS PERSPECTIVE
B.T. Thorp

Abstract
Today, customer expectations greatly influence the poultry industry with regard to production and livestock management systems. Products will not sell if they are perceived to be a health threat to the family. This, in turn, impacts on biosecurity. This paper discusses in detail the functional nature of that biosecurity and its strengths and weaknesses. Biosecurity is considered in two different steps: firstly, the nature of the barriers employed to achieve biosecurity and, secondly, the philosophies to keep disease out and prevent it spreading when it occurs. There are four elements to achieving these objectives. These are: biosecurity barriers, monitoring systems, auditing and traceability. Only if all 4 elements are present is it possible for the desired outcome of good biosecurity to be achieved.

Add to Basket

GETTING THE CORRECT PERSPECTIVE ON WELFARE
V. Beattie

Abstract
Any discussion on animal welfare poses the question whether animals have the capacity for consciousness. The second issue is, if they do, should animals be protected by law as sentient beings? The answers are ethical judgements and do not overall improve the welfare of farmed animals. A more practical, scientific approach was adopted in a series of experiments to improve the welfare of pigs. These experiments identified that behavioural vices may be redirected rooting behaviour, that space allowance per pig was not as critical as having something to root and that pigs preferred earth-like materials to root in. An enriching device was developed that allowed pigs to root and could be incorporated into standard intensive housing. This device eliminated tail biting. The principles of enrichment must be understood as work with sows revealed. Sawdust bedding in dynamic groups of sows reduced oral stereotypes, but increased aggression and injury as a consequence of increased exploratory behaviour. The conclusion is that the welfare of pigs in intensive housing can be improved, but only by understanding the behaviour of the animal.

Add to Basket

FINISHING PIGS SYSTEMS RESEARCH: HEALTH AND WELFARE
S.A.Edwards, K. Scott, D. Armstrong, D.J. Chennells, F. Campbell, B. Hunt, L. Taylor and B.P. Gill

Abstract
Reference is made to animal welfare regulations within the European Union (EU). In this context, fully slatted and straw based systems are looked at in two experiments, each with a dietary and/or environmental component imposed upon it so that comparisons can be made. Full details of each experiment are included and the pros and cons set out. However, definitive conclusions await the follow-up examination of all the data obtained in the current project.

Add to Basket

PROPOSED CHANGES TO EU LEGISLATION ON MEAT HYGIENE
P.I. Hewson

Abstract
Summary - Proposals for new European Union (EU) meat hygiene legislation are described. These will replace controls currently focused on the slaughterhouse with more risk-based controls across the production chain from farm-to-fork. The changing role of the veterinarian is discussed.

Add to Basket

IS SALMONELLA-FREE PIG PRODUCTION FEASIBLE?
P.J. van der WOLF

Abstract
Salmonella-free pig production, its feasibility and how it may be attained are touched on in this paper. In doing so, the author outlines the workings of the Dutch Animal Health Service and describes in detail farm trials and research projects related to the monitoring and overall control of Salmonellosis in Holland.

Add to Basket

DEFRA ANTIBIOTIC USE AND BIOSECURITY PROJECT
J.F. Robertson, B. Molloy, D. Pfeiffer and A.M. Johnston

Abstract
A brief summary is provided of a two-year study finished in 2003 of antibiotic use and pig health management in UK pig herds with more than 100 sows or 1000 pigs. Responses from approximately 25% of the industry indicated that antibiotic use was frequent, but that the majority of the industry (54%) supported a reduction in use as growth promoters. Facilities and management of biosecurity were of variable quality, and auditing of forty individual farms across the UK suggests that there is substantial benefit to be gained from improving basic farm practice. The role of the veterinary practitioner is critical in supporting the industry's move from reactive to pro-active health management.

Add to Basket

MEASURING THE IMPACT OF SALMONELLA CONTROL IN FINISHING PIGS - LESSONS FROM A PILOT STUDY
A.C.J. Cook

Abstract
Salmonella infection is relatively frequent in pigs slaughtered in British abattoirs and may represent a source of human infection. The UK pig industry launched the Zoonoses Action Plan Salmonella Monitoring Programme in 2002, which utilises the prevalence of pigs that are positive in a meat juice enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (MJ ELISA) to rank participating farms with respect to their salmonella status. A pilot study was conducted on twenty-two finisher farms contracted to one British company. Half of the farms implanted an enhanced hygiene and biosecurity programme whilst the remainder maintained their usual practices. The outcome was measured comparing firstly, the incidence of newly infected pens by repeated pooled faecal samples and secondly, the prevalence of MJ ELISA positive pigs. The intervention farms had a lower incidence of new pen infections and a lower prevalence of MJ ELISA positive pigs but the differences did not achieve statistical significance. However, the limited power of this small pilot study was further impacted by the strong farm-level cluster effect. The results were compatible with an important reduction in salmonella but this sample of farms was derived from a single company. A larger study is justified to determine whether a similar intervention programme would be beneficial for other finisher farms.

Add to Basket

EUROPEAN MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES TO CONTROL POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS)
M. Donadeu, A.E.J. Waddilove and E. Marco

Abstract
Since Post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) was first identified in Europe, different strategies have been used to try to control the disease and its effects, with variable levels of success. There is no single strategy that can claim control by itself. However, this paper examines in detail the various control measures that are available, as well as the problems that may be encountered by individual farms in seeking to implement them.

Add to Basket

PORCINE REPRODUCTIVE AND RESPIRATORY SYNDROME (PRRS) - ITS IMPACT ON PIG PERFORMANCE, PREVALENCE AND CONTROL
J.S. Richardson

Abstract
The effect of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) was first seen in the UK in 1991. This and other viral insults have depressed performance in growing and finishing pigs in infected herds. The use of diagnostics to determine if a herd is infected, and when pigs are challenged, provide useful information when formulating methods of control.

Use of appropriate vaccines and the response to vaccination is supported by trials and case studies.

Add to Basket

THE USE OF PORCILIS PRRS VACCINATION TO HELP CONTROL ESCALATING POST-WEANING MORTALITY
A. Cox and C. Randolph

Abstract
Post-weaning mortality in the progeny of a 1000-sow herd reached 16%; breeding herd conception rate also recorded a marked decline. A herd inspection, review of management procedures, and blood-sampling of the breeding and growing herd were instigated, together with post-mortem evaluation. A herd breakdown to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) was diagnosed via serology and clinical inspection, and Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) confirmed. A vaccination and medication regime was implemented, which resulted in a rapid and dramatic reduction in mortality and improved growing herd pig health.

Add to Basket

THE REDUCTION OF POST-WEANING MORTALITY THROUGH MANAGEMENT CHANGES AND THE USE OF PORCILIS PRRS VACCINATION
K. Yuill

Abstract
Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) related mortality from wean-to-finish reached 20%. Management changes such as segregation and all-in/all-out procedures were introduced as a means to reduce mortality to 10%. The use of diagnostics identified that the herd was Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) positive, and a vaccination regime using Porcilis PRRS vaccine was initiated. This dramatically reduced mortality to 3-4%, and improved overall growth rate from weaning to 100 kg to an average of 756 g/day.

Add to Basket

DEVELOPMENT OF A COMPETITIVE ELISA FOR THE DETECTION OF SERUM ANTIBODIES TO LEPTOSPIRA INTERROGANS SEROVAR BRATISLAVA
C. Frizzell, D.P. Mackie, J.M. Montgomery and W.A. Ellis

Abstract
Serological data indicates that Leptospira interrogans serovar Bratislava is the major pig maintained infection worldwide. Culture is extremely difficult and serology based on the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) requires live antigen and specialist laboratories. A competitive ELISA, based on a unique monoclonal antibody to serovar Bratislava has been developed for the detection of serum antibodies in pigs. Sera from vaccinated, experimentally infected and naturally infected pigs were used in evaluating the cELISA. The Bratislava cELISA is safe and easy to use and is suitable for screening large numbers of sera.

Add to Basket

RUPTURE OF THE AORTA IN TWO PIGS (SUSPECTED COPPER DEFICIENCY)
C. Steenmetz, M. Sharp, R. Irvine and S.H. Done

Abstract
The mechanism of aortic rupture in humans is touched on, together with the factors contributing to it. Death would appear to be the normal sequele. Apart from field outbreaks in South Africa, described, records of the condition in pigs are scanty. The paper, however, details a similar pattern seen in a small herd of pigs in the United Kingdom. These were kept on what was mainly a dairy farm. Two growers showed acute respiratory distress prior to death. Full post-mortems, including histopathological examinations, were carried out on both these animals. The findings are fully set out in this paper. The possibility of dietary deficiencies and/or a genetic component are discussed.

Add to Basket

PORCINE LORDOSIS AND KYPHOSIS (A THIRD VARIANT OF 'HUMPY-BACK') ASSOCIATED WITH INCREASED MUSCLE MASSES
R. Pearson and S.H. Done

Abstract
Lordosis and kyphosis in pigs - also known as 'Humpy-back' - is classified by the authors into three variants. This paper deals with the third variant affecting growers and finishers. A case history, describing the condition in a 500 sow commercial unit, is lucidly presented. Herd history, clinical signs and post-mortem features are faithfully recorded. No behavioural or environmental components to this condition were detected; but evidence strongly suggested that genetic factors were involved.

Add to Basket

VALNEMULIN - FOR THE PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF COLITIS AND ILEITIS
D.G.S. Burch and P.H. Ripley

Abstract
(SPONSORS' PAPERS) - Valnemulin (Econor - Novartis) was approved originally in 1999 by the European Union (EU) for the prevention and treatment of swine dysentery caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Recent work has showed that valnemulin is also highly active against B. pilosicoli, a spirochaete with many similarities to B. hyodysenteriae, which causes porcine spirochaetal diarrhoea or colitis, a milder form of diarrhoea in grower pigs. It has also been shown to have a high level of intracellular activity against Lawsonia intracellularis, the cause of porcine proliferative enteropathy or ileitis. The paper reviews the clinical trial work, both artificial challenge models and field studies, that enabled valnemulin to be recently approved for the prevention of colitis and treatment of ileitis in the EU.

Add to Basket

IMMUNOSTIMULATORY EFFECT OF DIETARY OREGANO ETHERIC OILS ON GROWING PIGS' LYMPHOCYTES
B.M.K. Park and G. Bilkei

Abstract
The present study was designed to evaluate the possible effect of dietary oregano etheric oils as non-specific immuno-stimulating agents in growing pigs. Monoclonal antibodies specifically reactive with porcine leukocyte differentiation antigens were used with flow cytometry to determine the proportions of leukocyte sub-populations. Two-colour fluorescence flow cytometry was used, with monoclonal antibodies of different isotypes that reacted with lymphocytes from peripheral blood and lymphoid tissues from pigs fed with oregano etheric oils supplemented diet.

Add to Basket

PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS (PCV) ASSOCIATED LOSSES IN PREGNANT GILTS
C. Mauch and G. Bilkei

Abstract
Ninety-four Porcine circovirus (PCV) seronegative replacement gilts in mid-pregnancy were transported to 4 PCV seropositive herds. Thirty-one of them showed, within 2 months of entry, the clinical picture of porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome (PDNS). Eight of them aborted and 4 died. Gross necropsy, microscopical examination and ELISA serological testing of dead gilts revealed PDNS. Aborted foetal pigs showed oedema and petechial haemorrhages in the alimentary tract, petechiae on the serosal surfaces of the abdomen and enlarged lymph nodes.

Add to Basket