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“We know that vaccinating can decrease the amount of viruses in the air, so vaccination is a good mechanism to prevent airborne transmission” Swine veterinary consultant Dr. Carmen Alonso in Spain picks out lessons from her detailed studies of air samples inside and outside farms suffering an outbreak of PRRS, influenza A or porcine epidemic diarrhoea --- as well as poultry sites with highly pathogenic avian influenza.
Rutger Jansen
“Our recent work demonstrated the presence of the PCV-3 genome within mild-to moderate histological lesions of aborted fetuses.
In this video Dr. Mike Murtaugh discusses vaccine cross-protection on various PCV2 strains: PCV2a, PCV2b & PCV2d. He also talks about the outbreaks of PCVAD and how correct usage of the vaccine is key.
Prof Joaquim Segalés and Dr Oliver Duran Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) was initially detected in the late 1990s in North America and Europe associated with a post weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome in pigs.
Greg Stevenson
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It is important to prevent newborn piglets becoming infected with disease-causing pathogens during the birth process.
Should a piglet fail to ingest any colostrum, its chance of survival is almost zero!
The concentrations of immunoglobulin (IgG and IgA) decrease rapidly within a few hours of birth. The timing and quantity of colostrum-intake are therefore critical. The more the better, the quicker the better!
A sow’s own colostrum is irreplaceable for the new born piglet! Only maternal immune cells derived from its’ own mother can cross the intestinal wall of the piglets and thereby activate an immune-system. Healthy and thriving sows will produce plenty colostrum. A piglet requires about 250 g each day. The colostrum contains many immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG and IgM) providing protection against viruses and bacteria.
Newborn piglets lack brown adipose (fat) tissue which is available to many other mammals as an energy source at birth and thereby they are more sensitive to cold stress when compared to other mammals. They are at greatest risk of hypothermia immediately after birth with a lowering of body-temperature of up to 5°C possible. Through shivering piglets try to maintain body temperature but as a result lose valuable energy reserves!
Energy intake is the most critical factor in determining piglet survival during the first 3 days of life. Large litters are susceptible to higher mortality because of lower birth weight and increased competition over teats.
In the case of prolonged farrowings, it may be beneficial to massage the abdomen of the sow.