Prevention and mitigation of disease is a constant challenge to the continuity of operations for swine production systems. Certain diseases may severely hamper and even end livestock production on a farm because of the severity of the disease, the regulatory implications, or the public perception caused by a confirmed infection.

The case presented in the latest issue of Journal of Swine Health and Production by Brandon J. Dominguez of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and co-authors there and with United States Department of Agriculture, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service illustrates steps taken by a transitional swine facility, one in which there is potential for exposure to feral swine, to mitigate problems created by exposure to a feral boar infected with pseudorabies virus.

These issues may serve as discussion points for other swine facilities in planning for the continuity of their operations in the face of a disease exposure.

The researchers highlight four main implications of their study. Firstly, transitional swine facilities are at a high risk of exposure to disease transmission by feral swine and second, even small breach in biosecurity can have a large impact on the continuity of swine operations.

Furthermore, producer decisions in response to a disease exposure are influenced directly and indirectly by numerous sources.

Finally, according to Dominguez and co-authors, the ability to continue farm operations after a disease emergence may be guided by the ability to contain the disease, to continue to deliver feed and supplies and to replace affected animals.

Reference

^{Dominguez B.J., G. Mays, H. Hughes-Garza, G. Walch and W.T. Bissett. 2013. Continuity of operations following a known feral boar exposure in a transitional swine facility. J Swine Health Prod. 21(4): 210–214.}

July 2013