PORCINE PROLIFERATIVE ENTEROPATHY IN HIGH HEALTH HERDS
C.A. Corzo, R. Friendship, C. Dewey and T. Blackwell

Abstract
The objective of this study was to examine the presence of porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) in a group of high-health breeding-stock herds. Blood samples from 20 grower-finisher pigs in each 28 herds enrolled in the Ontario Swine Health Information Plan (OSHIP) were tested for Lawsonia intracellularis (LI) antibodies with an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Based on the OSHIP criteria for evaluating biosecurity, each herd obtained a numerical score. The relationship between the biosecurity score and within-herd PPE prevalence was assessed. A total of 301 (53.7%) serum samples out of 560 tested positive and 21 (75%) out of 28 herds were classified positive. No association was found between biosecurity score and within-herd PPE prevalence. Antibodies against LI were observed in breeding-stock herds with both high or moderate biosecurity scores.

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PREVENTION OF PORCINE PROLIFERATIVE ENTEROPATHY (PPE) BY VACCINATION - EFFICACY AND ECONOMICS IN EUROPEAN FARMS
T. Hardge, E. Nickoll, H. Grunert, K. Elbers, U. Langbein, C. Keller, T. Bleier, J. Pohlenz, V.F. Ohlinger and B. Schroeder.

Abstract
The efficacy and economics of vaccination against Lawsonia intracellularis in Europe were investigated, using more than 1600 pigs in two large field trials. The vaccine was delivered orally via individual drench of the animals or administered via drinking water in troughs. Vaccinated pigs on both farms grew faster between weaning and slaughter and achieved higher and less variable end weights than non-vaccinated controls. The increase in average daily weight gain in response to vaccination by drench and trough was + 28 g and + 47 g respectively, on the first farm and + 10 g and + 31 g on the second farm. The higher end weight and the reduced variation (lower number of lightweight pigs, less pigs outside the optimal weight window in the carcase grading grid) contributed to higher gross margins between ? +3.10 per pig and ? +5.85 per pig compared to non-vaccinated controls. It is concluded that oral vaccination against L. intracellularis is an economically efficient tool to control intestinal diseases related to this organism and to permit a better exploitation of the genetic growth potential of the pig.

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EFFECT OF EARLY WEANING AND OUTDOOR PRODUCTION ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF PIGS
P. Danko and G. Bilkei

Abstract
The objective of this pilot study was to measure growth performance differences between early and late weaned, indoor or outdoor raised pigs, from birth to slaughter.
Ninety-six piglets were assigned to four groups and treated as follows: Group 1 (n=24): early weaned (day 10 of lactation) and raised indoors, Group 2 (n=24): early weaned (day 10 of lactation) and raised outdoors, Group 3 (n=24): late weaned (day 28 of lactation) and raised indoors, Group 4 (n=24): late weaned (day 28 of lactation) and raised outdoors. Pig weights, average daily gains, feed efficiency and days to slaughter were evaluated.
At the end of the nursery phase, early weaned pigs were heavier than late weaned ones (P<000.1). During the last 4 weeks of the nursery phase, early weaned pigs had a higher average daily gain compared to the late weaned ones (P<.0001). Bad weather conditions negatively influenced daily gains in early weaned animals compared to the late weaned pigs (P<.0001). During the same period of time, higher (P=.0022) feed/gain ratio was observed in early weaned piglets. Indoor rearing did not influence finisher daily gains (P>.43). Feed/gain ratio was, for the last 4 weeks of the nursery, lower (P<.05) in early weaned pigs compared to late weaned ones. Days to slaughter did not differ between the early or late weaned and indoor or outdoor raised animals (P=.989).

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THE RICHARD POTTER MEMORIAL LECTURE - THERE?S SOMETHING GOING THROUGH THE HERD?.. ANOTHER LOOK
J.D. Mackinnon

Abstract
Evidence in the form of field observations is presented to support an opinion that the most common predisposing factors of infertility in the breeding herd year on year are broadly seasonal. It is suggested that so-called seasonal infertility commences in the Spring and fertility levels are therefore sub-optimal for much of the year. There is considerable variation from farm to farm and this is thought to reflect differences in management practices. Intervention studies are notably lacking and, without investigation at regional or national level, producers will continue to be frustrated by low productivity.

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ADVANCES IN MALE SWINE ARTIFICIAL INSEMINATION (AI) TECHNIQUES
M. Donadeu

Abstract
Artificial insemination (AI) continues to expand in the swine industry. The technique itself has been improving and advances continue to be developed although the implementation of these advances at commercial level is not always quick.
Some of the advances described are not new but their recent implementation in field conditions in the UK makes it relevant to mention them. Others are only used at research level or in specific circumstances, but the fact that they are every day closer to the routine use, also makes them relevant. In this paper advances are focused on the male part of AI.

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REPRODUCTIVE FAILURE IN SOWS ASSOCIATED WITH LEPTOSPIRA MOZDOK FROM A WILDLIFE SOURCE
A.M. Barlow

Abstract
Leptospirosis is responsible for many reproductive problems worldwide, in a variety of species. L. mozdok has been implicated in sporadic bovine abortion and calf deaths in S.W. England. It has also been involved in reproductive losses in pigs in Denmark, Germany, Portugal and England. Rodents and insectivores act as reservoirs of infection. This paper records in detail reproductive failure seen on a 95-sow unit in Dorset. Results from this recorded case, as well as from a further case, also in Dorset, confirm that other leptospires, besides L. bratislava, may cause reproductive losses in pigs. Also, testing of wild rodents in both studies, underline their importance in the spread of this particular serovar.

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INVESTIGATION OF LEPTOSPIRA SEROVARS IN PIGS IN ENGLAND AND WALES: DEFINITION AND DETECTION OF INFECTING AGENTS
S. Williamson, C. Gaudie, K. Murray, C. Dalley and M. Woodward

Abstract
This paper describes an ongoing 3-year DEFRA-funded project undertaken by the Veterinary Laboratories Agency (VLA) into leptospira serovars in pigs in England and Wales.

This was partly prompted by lack of recent investigations into pathogenic leptospira species infecting pigs, highlighted by an upsurge in pig infertility in 2002/2003. Its aim was to discover better methods of identifying leptospiral infection in pigs, as well as characterising such isolates. Although not an epidemiological study, results may well influence future studies in this field.

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PORCINE CIRCOVIRUS DISEASES:1996-2004 AND BEYOND!
G.M. Allan, F. McNeilly, S.Krakowka, J. Ellis, C. Charreyre,

Abstract
Porcine circovirus disease (PCVD) has emerged in the last 8 years as one of the most important and devastating disease syndromes of the global pig industry. In May 1996, a presentation at the Spring meeting of the PVS on porcine circovirus: epidemiology and pathogenesis concluded that "it is possible that PCV does not have a significant pathogenic role, however it is important that more research is carried out before infection of pigs with PCV can be considered an insignificant animal health risk." This current article will briefly review the progress in PCV research since 1996 and highlight on-going attempts to understand the true pathogenesis of this virus.

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SALMONELLA CONTROL IN POULTRY AND PIGS
W.A. Nash

Abstract
This paper gives a detailed review of salmonella control, past and present, making specific reference to poultry, pigs, cattle and humans. Field management techniques and the use and worth of vaccines are fully discussed. Although much of the data relates to poultry, it is suggested that such information could well be helpful in tackling similar problems in the pig.

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EFFECT OF FEEDING POTASSIUM DIFORMATE ON INCIDENCE OF SALMONELLA INFECTION ON A COMMERCIAL UNIT
I. Dennis and P. Blanchard

Abstract
Reducing salmonella levels in UK pigs herds is a now a high priority for the industry. As an aid to salmonella control, the Danish pig industry has demonstrated that the strategic inclusion of potassium diformate in growing and finishing pig diets can be a cost-effective means of salmonella control.
A commercial trial was therefore initiated in the UK to test this concept. Results from this trial, as evaluated by meat juice ELISA, suggested a 46% reduction salmonella level when 6.25kg potassium diformate was added to the ration between 38kg and slaughter. It is therefore concluded that potassium diformate addition can be a cost-effective means of salmonella control.

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ALTERNATIVES TO ANTIBIOTIC GROWTH PROMOTERS FOR POST-WEANED PIGLETS
M.A. Varley

Abstract
The overall profitability of pig production is conditional on weaning age, subsequent growth rates and continued high health status. The author contrasts the high quality/high performance approach adopted in Europe to that of North America, where often least cost/low performance prevails. The paper looks in detail at feeding and management regimes and their effect on health and profitability within the systems under review.

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GUT MICROBIAL ECOLOGY AND QUORUM SENSING
K. Hillman

Abstract
The microbial ecology of the intestine has long been the subject of intense study, yet no more than a quarter of the species present have been isolated and grown in culture. Nevertheless, many attempts have been made to control the intestinal microflora with varying degrees of success, and new methods are still emerging. This short paper attempts to cover some of the common methods currently employed and the potential for future manipulation using the chemical signals employed in bacterial communication.

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HEPATITIS E: AN EMERGING THREAT?
M. Banks

Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) has a global distribution in humans and pigs and is present in a range of other mammals. The virus causes acute hepatitis in humans but is apathogenic in pigs. Most cases in developed regions are acquired by travel to one of the many developing regions of the world where the disease is endemic and faecal-oral transmission is common. Data from several developed countries suggests a high degree of homology between porcine and human strains of HEV. Recent evidence related to hepatitis strains isolated from indigenously-acquired cases in some developed countries indicates that pig meat is a potential source of HEV and that consumption of raw pigs' liver may be the main zoonotic transmission route between pigs and humans.

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A CASE OF PORCINE RESPIRATORY DISEASE COMPLEX (PRDC) AND GASTRIC ULCERS IN A PIG UNIT
V. Peritogianni

Abstract
A case of persistent respiratory problems combined with severe gastric ulceration on a batch run growing pig unit is described. The unit received piglets from 3 different recently repopulated herds free of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Disease Syndrome (PRRS) and Enzootic Pneumonia (EP). Midway into the batch, respiratory problems started to appear and both the above diseases were diagnosed, complicated with secondary infections. At the same time, sudden deaths appeared in pigs from one of the 3 sources and gastric ulceration with severe bleeding was diagnosed. Medication with antibiotics, both in feed and in the drinking water, a change of feed to one with coarser feed particles and a reduction of stocking density on the unit helped to control these problems.

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COLON CONTENTS CONCENTRATION AND AREA UNDER THE CURVE/MINIMUM INHIBITORY CONCENTRATION RELATIONSHIPS FOR VALNEMULIN - PREVENTION, TREATMENT AND ELIMINATION OF SWINE DYSENTERY
D.G.S. Burch, P. Ripley and M. Burrows

Abstract
(Members' Paper) Following the introduction of the European Guideline EMEA/CVMP/627/01-FINAL - ('Guidelines for the demonstration of efficacy for veterinary medicinal products containing antimicrobial substances'), using pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) methods of analysis are recommended for evaluating medicines. The guidelines were set with bactericidal antimicrobial models in mind, with bacterial elimination as an endpoint to try to reduce resistance development; but many products used in pig medicine are primarily bacteriostatic. Valnemulin for the prevention and treatment of swine dysentery was applied to a large intestine infection PK/PD model. This demonstrated that the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) was more relevant than minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC). Prevention of swine dysentery is a valid and definable claim with a good antibacterial endpoint. Treatment is more complex due to the nature of the disease and the mode of action of the antibiotic. Significantly higher concentrations of valnemulin (times 10) are required to eliminate infection and there is a higher risk of incomplete treatment and potential resistance development. Fortunately, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae develops resistance slowly to valnemulin.

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THE EFFECT OF PASSIVE COLOSTRAL TRANSFER ON THE SUBSEQUENT VIABILITY AND DEVELOPMENT OF POST-WEANING MULTISYSTEMIC WASTING SYNDROME (PMWS) IN PIGLETS
A. Moll

Abstract
(Student Paper Sponsored by D.S. Jennings) - The importance of colostrum is easily overlooked in modern pig units. This paper describes an on-farm project carried out to confirm its significance. The test group consisted of a hundred 24-48h old piglets from 10 sows. The ensuing study took in weight gains, blood analyses, post-mortem findings and survival rates. Results indicated that restricted colostrum uptake, often related to small size at birth, gave rise to increased pre-weaning mortality and lower weaning weights.

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BACTERIAL FLORA OF VULVAL DISCHARGES AND MAMMARY SECRETIONS IN SOWS SUFFERING PERI-PARTURIENT DISEASES IN A LARGE INDOOR BREEDING UNIT
P.M. Olson and G. Bilkei

Abstract
In a large East-European indoor pig production unit, the sows suffering concurrent peri-parturient diseases (mastitis, metritis, and agalactia, MMA) and vulval discharges were subjected to bacteriological analysis of their discharges and mammary secretions.
All animals were infected with Escherichia coli. The majority of the sows revealed concurrently Escherichia coli, klebsiella spp, proteus spp, gram-positive streptococci and staphylococci, both in mammary gland secretions and in vulval discharges. Of 27% of the sows, Actinobaculum suis was found in the vulval discharges, whilst this organism was not found in mammary secretions. In contrast, mammary secretions were, in 21.4% of the cases, infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, but this organism was not found in the vulval discharges of the sows. In 15.2% of vulval discharges and 0.2% of the mammary excretions, Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was found.

Implications: The present results indicate that in Escherichia coli caused peri-parturient diseases, the non-coliform bacterial flora of the vulval discharges and mammary secretions may contribute to the mastitis, metritis, and agalactia complex. The fact that similar bacteria were found in vulval discharges and mammary secretions suggests an identical aetiology of these syndromes. The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae in the aetiology of peri-parturient diseases of the sow need further evaluation.

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