Hogg Sense

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Porcine Viral Respiratory Diseases: The primary viral pathogens that are capable of inducing clinical disease and lesions by themselves are: PRRSV, swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine respiratory coronavirus (PRCV) and Aujeszky’s disease virus (ADV). In addition, porcine circovirus (PCV) may also need to be considered to be a primary respiratory pathogen. (Halbur, P. G., DVM, PhD, ISU, Ames, IA, USA).

Bacterial Pneumonia in Swine: The primary inhaled bacterial respiratory pathogens of swine are: Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyo), Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae (App) and Bordetella bronchiseptica (Bb). The most common pulmonary pathogens are: Pasteurella multocida (Pm), Streptococcus suis (S. suis), Haemophilus parasuis (Hps), Mycoplasma hyorhinis (M. hyorhinis) and Actinomyces pyogenes (Ap). The most common blood-borne pulmonary pathogens are: Salmonella cholerasuis, Actinobacillus suis (A. suis) and Actinomyces pyogenes (Ap). (Stevenson, G.W., DVM, PhD, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA).

Boar Fertility and Artificial Insemination: In practice, boar fertility probably has a vastly greater impact on reproductive efficiency than sow fertility. This information is based on the observation that, at best, an individual sow produces about 25 pigs per year, whereas a single boar can sire between 6,000 and 7,000 offspring annually, if he is used exclusively for artificial matings. Consequently, reproductive management of boars in operations using A.I., influences productivity and thus, profitability in an exponential fashion. (Flowers, W.L., PhD; North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C.).

Locomotory Disorders of Swine: An absolute deficiency of biotin damages the integrity of the hoof wall. From clinical and nutritional research findings, there is some confusion as to the value of biotin supplements in diets. Supposedly, the pig produces sufficient biotin in the intestine to meet its needs. However, because biotin appears to improve the quality of the keratin of the hoof wall of young gilts and this may enhance the integrity of the hoof wall as she ages, biotin supplementation is practiced on some farms and is worthy of use in boars. (Hill, M.A, MS, PhD, MRCVS; Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA).

Practice Tip: If possible, avoid freezing tissues intended for diagnostic culturing. Better to store such tissues in the refrigerator and ship with ice packs. (Editor).

Vol. 8 Num. 1

- Alex Hogg, DVM, MS

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