Over the years, veterinarians and the pork industry have tackled eradiation protocols for viruses like PRRS, PED, and Mycoplasma, yet influenza remains a common occurrence in the field. 

In this Episode, host Dr. Spencer Wayne talks with Dr. Cameron Schmitt, Veterinarian with PIPESTONE, in the 20th episode of SwineTime about Swine Influenza and efforts to prove an eradication protocol.

Pig farmers and veterinarians in the U.S. are all too familiar with the warning signs of influenza in their herds.  Sows off feed, minor abortion levels, mortality in GDU, and lower pig wean weights are seen in the sow farm, while pigs in the finisher will show a mild cough and off feed.  Dr. Schmitt notes that since finishers have static populations, a break will run its course; however, it is much more difficult to eliminate in a sow farm since new gilts and baby piglets are constantly being introduced. 

With this challenge in mind, Dr. Schmitt is working with ten PIPESTONE managed sow farms to evaluate an influenza eradiation protocol.  “We continue to strive for better health. Influenza is one component we think we can make a big impact on. Our goal is to eliminate flu from a farm and make a flu negative sow unit,” stated Dr. Schmitt.  Dr. Schmitt discusses the three large components of their eradication strategy which include an extended quarantine period for gilts coming in, utilization of autogenous vaccines for the specific strain on that farm, and moving restrictions.

 

Don’t miss future SwineTime podcasts

The SwineTime podcast is a monthly podcast created for the pork industry and individual pork producers around the country. The podcast world-renowned resources and expertise on Swine Health, Management, Nutrition, Marketing, Business and more.  Hosted by Dr. Spencer Wayne with Pipestone Veterinary Services, the podcast contains pork industry news, advancements in animal care and how to enhance your productivity.  New Podcasts are released monthly on the 2nd Tuesday.