By Xiaomei Yue, Mariana Kikuti, Claudio Marcello Melini and Cesar A Corzo, University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine, Morrison Swine Health Monitoring Project
Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus was first detected in the United States during the spring of 2013. The initial epidemic spanned approximately 1.5 years, with the prevalence transitioning to endemic levels by the end of 2014 (Figure 1).
Continue reading “PEDV: Sow herds are eliminating the virus faster”By Maria Pieters and Haley Schwecke
The mention of Mycoplasma in pigs is generally related to respiratory disease, as problems such as enzootic pneumonia or the Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex can result after infection with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, which is a well-known bacterium that can be detected in swine worldwide. Only less frequently, one thinks about other Mycoplasma species that can affect swine health.
By Kaitlyn St. Charles, Carol Cardona, Timothy Goldsmith, Cesar Corzo and Marie Culhane, University of Minnesota
Stop movement orders are a big deal for all production phases, particularly for live pigs, but also for semen movements from boar studs to breeding farms.
In the United States, animal agriculture is having to make tough decisions about the quickly spreading and far-reaching diseases caused by H5 2.3.4.4b influenza A virus (USDA 2024). There have been substantial organized efforts to control H5 2.3.4.4b IAV in domestic poultry, because it is the cause of highly pathogenic avian influenza with severe illness and high death loss in infected flocks. So, it should be no surprise that efforts need to be made to control virus spread in other species, including humans.
Continue reading “Yes, science should inform policy, but how?”By Tom Molitor, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota
The swine industry has changed significantly since 1980 with intensified swine systems, early weaning approaches, three site production systems, AI, (both artificial intelligence and artificial insemination), facility filtration systems and overall enhanced biosecurity. Throughout this time we have witnessed consistent and recurring emerging and reemerging diseases that have impacted the health of swine and affected profitability.
Continue reading “Pigs: A host for a vast array of viruses”By Brenna Wachtendonk, Igor A.D. Paploski, Dennis N. Makau, Mariana Kikuti, Cesar A. Corzo, and Kimberly VanderWaal, University of Minnesota
Pigs on sow farms die of various causes including some highly contagious diseases. Studies have shown that the odds of a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome outbreak in farms that perform rendering as a disposal method for dead animals are higher than in farms that perform composting.
Characterization of the dead animal facilities, structures, practices and procedures is then needed to mitigate the risk associated with dead animal removal in sow farms.
Continue reading “Characterizing dead animal facilities, structures, practices in sow farms”