Posted by Editor on July 17 2009 15:09

Actinobacillus suis: an update on genotyping and antibiotic susceptibility Introduction Actinobacillus suis has emerged as a new threat to swine production. Recent data on isolation of this pathogen from clinical samples submitted to the University of Minnesota Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory has shown an increase of 0.4% or 13,547 cases during the fiscal year (FY) of 2005 compared with FY 2002. Although swine veterinarians have made progress in developing prevention and control strategies to... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 17 2009 11:54

Essential knowledge: respiratory disease in the growing pig—innate immune response Introduction The respiratory tract is constantly under assault by airborne microorganisms, oropharyngeal flora, toxic particles and gases, and bloodborne pathogens and toxins. The pulmonary defense mechanisms are remarkably effective in preventing and neutralizing these agents, and most of these assaults are handled by the innate (nonspecific) immune response. Immune responses The respiratory tract is co... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 17 2009 10:47

Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae eradication in a large system: strategies and techniques The breeding stock that fueled the growth of the western Canadian swine industry in the 1980’s and 1990’s came from a small number of genetics companies. Most of these companies and thus the majority of commercial production they supplied shared similarities such as predominately British-based female lines and, core to this discussion, freedom from several significant diseases including Mycoplasma hyop... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 17 2009 09:56

Transmission of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae: how long can it last? Introduction Enzootic Pneumonia, a high morbidity and low mortality condition, highly prevalent in swine herds is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (Mare and Switzer, 1965; Goodwin et al., 1965). The disease is characterized by a chronic respiratory condition, which does not represent a threat by itself, but often appears combined with a number of bacterial and viral pathogens such as Pasteurella multocida or porcine respiratory ... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 14:44

Respiratory disease in the growing pig: selecting materials for submission and making the diagnosis Introduction Swine respiratory disease is often complex with multiple viral and bacterial pathogens involved. The pig and sample selection process is very important in obtaining and making the diagnosis. Also, as more is known about swine respiratory pathogens and their various serovars, serotypes, strains, virulence genes, and mutations, it may now be necessary to delve more deeply into the dia... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 13:50

Swine influenza virus: the only constant is change Background Swine influenza virus (SIV) is an important etiological agent involved both in epizootic and enzootic forms of influenza. Clinical signs of the epizootic form are a deep-dry, “barking” cough, fever above 42.2°C and anorexia. The disease is characterized by nearly 100% morbidity. Sows infected during pregnancy may abort as a result of high fever. Clinical signs of the enzootic form of the disease are coughing, fever, ... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 11:53

Respiratory Disease Prevention and Control Introduction Respiratory challenges in pork production systems have been a very dynamic phenomenon over the past couple decades. As new technologies and management methods are implemented, different pathogens seem to fill the voids left by the former etiologic agent(s). In order to stay profitable and remain in business, pork producers are constantly searching for new and better methods of raising pigs. Preventing or reducing health challenges in pork... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 11:52

Considerations and recommendations for treating respiratory disease Introduction Respiratory diseases in the grower finisher area of production remain one of the biggest health challenges facing producers today. The complexity of etiological agents involved can be overwhelming to both growers and veterinarians. Interactions related to environment, housing type, pig flow, group size, pig age, and stocking density play critical roles in the severity of clinical signs seen with different respirat... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 11:38

Considerations and recommendations for treating respiratory disease Introduction Respiratory diseases in the grower finisher area of production remain one of the biggest health challenges facing producers today. The complexity of etiological agents involved can be overwhelming to both growers and veterinarians. Interactions related to environment, housing type, pig flow, group size, pig age, and stocking density play critical roles in the severity of clinical signs seen with different respirat... [More]

Posted by Editor on July 16 2009 11:24

Respiratory disease Respiratory disease in swine is a common recurring health problem confronting veterinarians and producers. The cause(s) may be straightforward or complex. Housing, environment, nutrition and infectious agents are commonly interacting contributors to respiratory disease. These factors may also complicate the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of respiratory disease. Standard laboratory diagnostic investigations are predominantly oriented to look for infectious agents. It is ... [More]