PED CONFIRMED IN THE USA
The presence of Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea in the U.S. was confirmed on May 17, 2013. The American Association of Swine Veteri- narians and the Iowa Pork Industry Center have put together some information in an effort to get accurate facts about this disease out to veterinarians and producers.
CONTROL STRATEGIES FOR SWINE INFLUENZA
Similar to PRRS virus, Swine Influenza causes much frustration for veterinarians and producers due to its high prevalence, its rapid rate of genetic change, and a lack at this time of consistently effective control or elimination methods. On a sow farm, off-feed events and/or fevering among gilts at the sow farm may be short lived. The more challenging part is that during these times of increased influenza activity, flu leaks from the sow farm with weaned piglets and then will continue to circulate in nurseries for many months after the original sow farm break.
PREVENTING PENICILLING RESIDUES IN CULL SOWS
In the last 2 years there has been a dramatic increase in penicillin residues in cull sows due to a switch to a more sensitive test being utilized by the packer. Even if in minute quantities, any amount of penicillin found is con- sidered volatile and requires an automatic inspection by the FDA. The Pork Board has come out with recommenda- tions on injection site techniques to decrease the chances of this happening at your farm.
PRACTICAL RESEARCH: INFECTIVITY OF PRRS VIRUS IN HOG MANURE
Because the stability of PRRS virus in hog manure at different temperatures is unknown, University of MN. researchers Bob Morrison, Linahres, et al conducted a study to determine PRRSv infectivity half life in manure and a cell culture medium at temperatures ranging from 39 to 176 degrees F. (Half life is defined as the time it takes to reduce PRRSv infectivity by half.) Overall, there was an exponential decrease in PRRSv infectivity with increasing temperature. At every temperature tested, PRRSv had shorter half-life when incubated in manure compared to the cell culture medium (MEM).
PG 600: UPDATED LABEL/NEW STORAGE DIRECTION
PG 600 label now states that product must be kept refrigerated (stored at 36-46°F.) Please make a note to let all farm staff know about this change.
