We have focused on pig herd health and vaccine programmes, so this week we look at how to set up some practical steps on a farm level to prevent the onset of infections on a pig farm and control the spread of diseases. This specific preventative measurement practice on a farm is called pig biosecurity.
Lending his expert ear is Dr Japhta M Mokoele, a qualified veterinarian, registered pig veterinary specialist, and a senior lecturer in pig herd health in production animal studies at the faculty of veterinary science at the Onderstepoort campus of the University of Pretoria.
What is pig biosecurity?
According to Mokoele, biosecurity refers to the application of measures aimed to reduce the probability of the introduction and spread of pathogens.
There are internal and external biosecurity measures:
- Internal biosecurity: Reduces the spread of pathogens once they are already on the farm.
- External biosecurity: Reduces the probability of the introduction of pathogens. You protect the farm from dangers coming from the outside world.
It is important to evaluate the types of diseases that are a threat to the pig industry, such as African Swine Fever (ASF), pneumonia and piglet diarrhoea.
Measures to put in place
Internal biosecurity
Measures to reduce farm infections are:
- Manage the pig herd (start with piglets and move to bigger pigs). Look at the adaptation of new animals.
- Personal management.
- Vaccinate new pigs.
- Cleaning and disinfection to reduce the microbial load.
- Do not feed swill.
External biosecurity
When you look at external factors, consider the following measures:
- Physical barriers, such as fences and signage (biosecurity area and gates). Erect a proper fence to avoid wildlife contact.
- Banning and introduction of certain types of animals and vehicles from the outside.
- Quarantine new pigs ( 30 days). Check if these pigs are sick.
- Semen control and semen handling.
- Offload feed outside the farm.
- Shower in and shower out.
- Ask visitors to mark the register.
- Appropriate boots and overalls.
- Disinfect all the equipment and tools.
- Rat and insect control.
“Loading and offloading of animals should be carried out outside the premises. The vehicle should be clean and disinfected,” Mokoele says.
“Think about things such as genetic material and people because you need to be able to have a particular system that manages that risk.”
ALSO READ: Stamp out disease with a robust pig vaccine programme
Input costs
There is no doubt that input costs to keep your pigs safe are pricey.
“The other time I was consulting at a 100-sow unit, the farmer received biosecurity standards from Sappo. He told me this is going to be expensive to implement. It’s costly and you will incur costs,” he says.
Farmers will have to buy personal protective equipment (PPE), tools and equipment, and disinfectants.
You will also need money to do the following:
- Pay more money to control diseases.
- Veterinary fees.
- Pay more money to buy antimicrobials.
- Buying vaccines.
What will happen if I compromise on biosecurity?
It is important to note the seriousness of some of these diseases, like ASF which is deadly and will kill your pigs.
“It has an impact on both macro and micro economy. Micro economy means the loss of your livelihood, [it is] emotionally painful to the farm, farmworkers, and government officials,” he explains.
On the other hand, an infected herd on a macro level carries a lot of responsibility, especially provincially and the impact on trade possibilities.
“The government needs to put resources to control the outbreaks; dump the pigs, put restrictions, and stop the sales. Interrupt trade in the country. The country loses the disease-free status,” he says.
A vet can only help
It is all or none principle, therefore implement it comprehensively, Mokoele advises. “You pay more money to control diseases. And [much more money is spent on] antimicrobials.”
When considering setting up your pig biosecurity it is also important to work closely with your vet. An expert can help by setting up a biosecurity programme and keeping a vet close can only be beneficial.
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