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Klein L, Gerdes U, Blome S, Campe A, Grosse Beilage E. Biosecurity measures for the prevention of African swine fever on German pig farms: comparison of farmers' own appraisals and external veterinary experts' evaluations. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:14. [PMID: 38468332 PMCID: PMC10926670 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-024-00365-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since its first introduction into the German wild boar population in 2020, African swine fever (ASF) has been spreading slowly from the eastern border westwards and has been introduced into eight domestic pig farms thus far. The European Food Safety Authority has named deficits in farm biosecurity and increased human activity as major risk factors for the introduction of the ASF virus into pig farms. Studies have shown that pig farms in Germany generally have a high level of biosecurity. However, veterinary practitioners and policy-makers have expressed concerns that not all pig farmers are appropriately prepared to deal with the threat of ASF. This study aimed to evaluate the level of biosecurity on pig farms in Lower Saxony and explore the reasons for deficits in the implementation of biosecurity measures. For this purpose, pig farmers were interviewed in open structured face-to-face interviews about their perception of ASF and biosecurity, and the implemented measures on their farms were assessed with a checklist. In the data analysis, the farmers' answers and the results of the biosecurity check were compared to gain further insights into the factors influencing the implementation of biosecurity measures on the farms. RESULTS The biosecurity check showed that on most farms, a high level of biosecurity had been implemented. Nevertheless, deficits were found concerning the fences and the delimitation of clean and dirty areas on farm grounds and in the anteroom. Overall, the farmers were well informed about ASF and had a realistic perception of their own biosecurity. They considered the farm layout, financial means and practicality of hygiene measures to be the main barriers to implementing biosecurity measures against ASF. However, the results also suggested that farmers' attitudes and legal regulations were major influencing factors. CONCLUSION The results indicated a high level of biosecurity against ASF on most pig farms and a realistic perception of their own biosecurity by the farmers. Current knowledge transfer and information should focus on building upon the farmers' own motivation and expertise and supporting them to put existing knowledge into practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Klein
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Buenteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ursula Gerdes
- Niedersaechsische Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Disease Fund), Bruehlstrasse 9, 30169, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sandra Blome
- Department of Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493, Greifswald - Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Buenteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University for Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Buescheler Strasse 9, 49456, Bakum, Germany
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Heimann M, Hartmann M, Freise F, Kreienbrock L, Grosse Beilage E. Foot lesions and forelimb skin abrasions in suckling piglets: development and risk factors. Porcine Health Manag 2024; 10:1. [PMID: 38178228 PMCID: PMC10768078 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-023-00351-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Foot lesions in suckling piglets have been associated with poor flooring in several studies and were recently proposed to be indicative of swine inflammatory and necrosis syndrome. However, identical findings are also the typical outcome of various non-infectious causes; thus, further risk analysis is needed. The objective of this study was to describe the development of heel bruising, coronary band lesions and forelimb skin abrasion in suckling pigs up to 5 days of age. Furthermore, the effects of various intrinsic and extrinsic factors were examined. On each of four commercial piglet-producing farms, piglets from two or three batches of eight sows were studied. The piglets were included within 18 h after birth. Each piglet was individually scored four times. The score for the heels differentiated six (0-5) and for the coronary band and forelimb skin abrasion three stages (0-2). The body weight was measured two times. The effect of the floor was estimated by allocating the sows randomly to farrowing pens equipped with either soft rubber mats covered with litter or fully slatted plastic floors. RESULTS The final analysis comprised data from 1045 piglets. Foot lesions were not found at birth but started to develop on day 1. On day 5, heel bruising was found in 94%, main claw coronary band lesions in 49% and forelimb skin abrasion in 73% of the piglets. In a multifactorial logistic regression analysis, it was shown that a slatted plastic floor significantly increased the odds of heel bruising and coronary band lesions, while a rubber floor with litter increased the odds of forelimb skin abrasions. CONCLUSION Foot and forelimb lesions in new-born piglets are mainly induced by the floor. The effect of slatted plastic floors on heel bruising showed an overwhelming OR of 52.89 (CI 26.29-106.43). Notably, coronary band lesions in young suckling piglets occur on slatted as well as non-slatted floors, indicating that the piglets incur these injuries not only from the wedging of their feet into the gaps between slats but also from contact with the floor while suckling. Based on these findings, preventive measures should be redirected to the improvement of the floor in the farrowing pen, particularly in the area under the sow's udder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus Heimann
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buescheler Str. 9, 49456, Bakum, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fritjof Freise
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health at the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buenteweg 2, 30559, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Buescheler Str. 9, 49456, Bakum, Germany.
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Klein L, Hessling-Zeinen S, Adler F, Gerdes U, Blome S, Beilage EG, Campe A. Exploring pig farmers' decision-making concerning biosecurity measures against African Swine Fever. Prev Vet Med 2023; 217:105949. [PMID: 37285701 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2023.105949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
African Swine Fever (ASF) is a growing threat to the German pig production sector. Rigorous biosecurity measures can prevent the introduction of ASF in domestic pig farms. Increased efforts have been made to inform pig farmers and other stakeholders in the industry regarding disease prevention measures for ASF. As part of quality management in animal disease prevention, we investigated the extent to which these efforts were successful and how knowledge transfer needs to be improved. Applying a qualitative study design with open, structured face-to-face interviews, this study aimed at assessing pig farmers' decision-making processes concerning the implementation of biosecurity measures against ASF and deducing the best-fitted pathways to improve the dissemination of information among pig farmers. We developed a modified theoretical model using the Health Belief Model, Protection Motivation Theory, and Theory of Planned Behaviour as the basis for our interview questionnaire and analysis. We showed that despite the steady spread of ASF into and within Germany, most pig farmers did not perceive an increased threat to their farms. However, many pig farmers communicated their uncertainty on how to correctly implement biosecurity measures according to the law. This study identified the importance of veterinary officials and farm veterinarians as referents on the topic of biosecurity and the need for clear standards concerning biosecurity regulations. Further, it suggests the need for closer cooperation between pig farmers and these referents, and a focus on joint decision-making, taking into account the individual circumstances of the farmers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leonie Klein
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Stefanie Hessling-Zeinen
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Friedemann Adler
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Ursula Gerdes
- Niedersaechsische Tierseuchenkasse (Animal Disease Fund), Bruehlstrasse 9, 30169 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Sandra Blome
- Department of Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institute, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Suedufer 10, 17493 Greifswald, Insel Riems, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buescheler Strasse 9, Bakum, 49456 Hannover, Germany.
| | - Amely Campe
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University for Veterinary Medicine, Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hannover, Germany.
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Geiping L, Hartmann M, Kreienbrock L, Grosse Beilage E. Killing underweighted low viable newborn piglets: Which health parameters are appropriate to make a decision? Porcine Health Manag 2022; 8:25. [PMID: 35681215 PMCID: PMC9178864 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-022-00265-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study was to estimate the mortality risk and associated factors within the first days of life for underweight or low-vital neonatal piglets. This risk estimation should start a discussion concerning the preconditions for timely killing of compromised newborn piglets to prevent unnecessary pain and suffering. In an observational study, various clinical and laboratory variables were examined in 529 piglets out of four farms. Body weight, crown-rump-length, rectal temperature, a 4-stage vitality score, an intrauterine-growth-retardation score, glucose, lactate, haemoglobin and immunocrit were assessed on the first day of life. Vitality was scored by three factors: movement, abdominal palpation, and colour of the skin. Afterwards the death of the piglets (by killing or spontaneously) was monitored until day 5 of age. Results Body weight, rectal temperature and vitality score were significantly associated with probability of death. Piglets with rectal temperatures ≤ 37.5 °C, a body weight < 0.86 kg and impaired vitality scores were found to have the highest probability of death until day 5 of age. Conclusion The clinical findings, identified by this model, allow a first estimation of mortality risk for newborn piglets within the first days of life. In a further step veterinarians, farmers and ethicians now need to clarify what probability of death should justifiy the killing of a newborn piglet. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40813-022-00265-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas Geiping
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bakum, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bakum, Germany.
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Grosse-Kleimann J, Wegner B, Spiekermeier I, Grosse Beilage E, Kemper N, Nienhoff H, Plate H, Meyer H, Gerhardy H, Kreienbrock L. Health Monitoring of Fattening Pigs - Use of Production Data, Farm Characteristics and On-Farm Examination. Porcine Health Manag 2021; 7:45. [PMID: 34344485 PMCID: PMC8330030 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-021-00225-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The use of processed secondary data for health monitoring of fattening pigs has been established in various areas, such as the use of antibiotics or in the context of meat inspection. Standardized scores were calculated based on several sources of production data and can be used to describe animal health in a large collective of pig units. In the present study, the extent to which these scores are related to different farm characteristics and management decisions were investigated. In addition, slaughter scores were compared with the results of a veterinary examination on the farms. Results The comparison of the results of the uni- and multifactorial analyses revealed that almost all of the examined factors play a role in at least one of the scores when considered individually. However, when various significant influencing factors were taken into account at any one time, most of the variables lost their statistical significance due to confounding effects. In particular, production data such as production costs or daily feed intake remained in the final models of the scores on mortality, average daily gain and external lesions. Regarding the second part of the investigation, a basic technical correlation between the slaughter scores and the on-farm indicators could be established via principal component analysis. The modelling of the slaughter scores by the on-farm indicators showed that the score on external lesions could be represented by equivalent variables recorded on the farm (e.g., lesions caused by tail or ear biting). Conclusions It has been demonstrated that the examined health scores are influenced by various farm and management characteristics. However, when several factors are taken into account, confounding occurs in some cases, which must be considered by consultants. Additionally, it was shown that on-farm examination content is related to the scores based on equivalent findings from slaughter pigs. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40813-021-00225-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Grosse-Kleimann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany.
| | - Birte Wegner
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Ines Spiekermeier
- Swine Health Service, Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bakum, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behaviour, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
| | - Hendrik Nienhoff
- Swine Health Service, Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony, Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Heiko Plate
- VzF e.V, Association for Promoting Farming Economics, Uelzen, Germany
| | - Henning Meyer
- VzF e.V, Association for Promoting Farming Economics, Uelzen, Germany
| | | | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, WHO Collaborating Centre for Research and Training for Health in the Human-Animal-Environment Interface, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hanover, Germany
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Beumer M, Hölzen P, Vogels J, Hennig-Pauka I, Grosse Beilage E, Kammeyer P, Kleinschmidt S, Hewicker-Trautwein M. Congenital Myofibroblastic Skin Tumours in a Newborn Piglet Resembling the Multicentric Form of Infantile Myofibromatosis. J Comp Pathol 2021; 186:13-17. [PMID: 34340799 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2021.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A 2-day-old female piglet was submitted with multiple congenital, nodular skin masses located on the head, neck, trunk and legs. Histopathological examination revealed the presence of nodular, cutaneous tumours with a biphasic growth pattern and comprising a population of undifferentiated, oval or slightly polygonal, frequently perivascularly located cells and a population of spindle-shaped, fibroblast-like cells arranged in bundles. Multifocally, tumour cells infiltrated subcutaneous adipose and muscular tissue. Immunohistochemically, the undifferentiated tumour cells expressed vimentin and calponin, whereas the spindle-shaped tumour cells were positive for vimentin, α-smooth muscle actin and calponin. Based on these findings, the diagnosis was myofibroblastic tumours closely resembling the multicentric form of human infantile myofibromatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marius Beumer
- Field Station for Epidemiology, Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Peter Hölzen
- Field Station for Epidemiology, Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Johanna Vogels
- Field Station for Epidemiology, Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Isabel Hennig-Pauka
- Field Station for Epidemiology, Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Patricia Kammeyer
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sven Kleinschmidt
- Lower Saxony State Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Hannover, Germany
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Wegner B, Spiekermeier I, Nienhoff H, Große-Kleimann J, Rohn K, Meyer H, Plate H, Gerhardy H, Kreienbrock L, Beilage EG, Kemper N. Application of the voluntary human approach test on commercial pig fattening farms: a meaningful tool? Porcine Health Manag 2020; 6:19. [PMID: 32832096 PMCID: PMC7422426 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-020-00158-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A Voluntary Human Approach Test (VHAT) was performed in pig pens, and relationships between environmental conditions and welfare indicators were investigated. Five variables were measured in 1668 pens in 214 fattening pig herds in Germany: time until the first contact (touching) between a pig and the person in the pen (TUFC), time until the observer was surrounded by pigs within a radius of approximately two meters, percentage of pigs relative to group size [%] surrounding the observer after 1 min (PPSO), percentage of pigs relative to group size [%] that completely avoided contact with the observer during the entire test period, and how the pigs contacted the observer (Score 0 [no touching] - 3 [biting]). Furthermore, variables indicative of the pigs' environment (e.g., feeding system, ventilation system), management (e.g., number of usable drinkers, number of usable manipulatable materials), and welfare (e.g., tail lesions, ear lesions) were documented. RESULTS Pigs engaging in more forceful means of contact (nibbling, biting) approached the observer faster than those exhibiting more gentle types of contact (touching). A lower TUFC was associated with more manipulatable materials present, a higher number of drinkers, and with the control position of the caretaker located inside the pen. Pigs kept in larger groups showed a lower TUFC than those in smaller groups (P = 0.0191). However, PPSO was lower in pigs kept in smaller groups (1-12 pigs per pen) with more manipulatable materials available. In groups with low PPSOs, more tail lesions were observed (P = 0.0296). No relationship between contact type and tail or ear injuries was detected. In younger pigs, PPSO was higher (49.9 ± 23.2%) than for animals in the second half of the fattening period (45.1 ± 19.9%). CONCLUSIONS In this on-farm study, the relationships between VHAT behavior and environmental factors revealed that external factors (e.g., management practices, housing conditions) impact animals' responses to this behavioral test. Therefore, using the VHAT as an animal welfare indicator is valid only if these variables are studied as well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birte Wegner
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hanover, Germany
| | - Ines Spiekermeier
- Swine Health Service, Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony, D-26121 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Hendrik Nienhoff
- Swine Health Service, Chamber of Agriculture in Lower Saxony, D-26121 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Julia Große-Kleimann
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Karl Rohn
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- Department of Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Nicole Kemper
- Institute for Animal Hygiene, Animal Welfare and Farm Animal Behavior, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, D-30173 Hanover, Germany
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Meyer D, Hewicker-Trautwein M, Hartmann M, Kreienbrock L, Grosse Beilage E. Scoring shoulder ulcers in breeding sows - is a distinction between substantial and insubstantial animal welfare-related lesions possible on clinical examination? Porcine Health Manag 2019; 5:3. [PMID: 30693092 PMCID: PMC6341639 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-018-0108-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Shoulder ulcers in breeding sows that are restricted to the superficial skin layers, epidermis and dermis are usually classified as insubstantial animal welfare-related lesions. These less-severe lesions need to be differentiated from more-severe wounds that also involve the subcutis and the underlying bone, commonly evaluated as substantial animal welfare-related lesions. Scoring schemes based on clinical or histopathological findings are available, but the consistency between both types of findings has not been definitively evaluated. The present study was designed to compare clinical findings for various stages of shoulder ulcers with accompanying histopathological evaluation. A validated histopathologic score (Score-H) classifying the tissues involved in the different stages of shoulder ulcers was set as the reference standard. Results Testing the histopathological scores for associations with various clinical findings resulted in a clinical score (Score-C) that could be segregated into four stages. Stage I is characterised by intact skin without any ulcerative lesions. Stage II, representing ulcerative lesions restricted to the superficial skin layers, can be predicted with a probability of 90% when a scab with diameter less than 1.2 cm is present. Stage III, representing ulcers involving the entire skin and sometimes the underlying bone, can be identified by the diameter of the scab (DOS) and/or proliferation of wound margins (powm) and/or increase of tissue volume (mass). To achieve a probability of 90%, the DOS needs to be 8.3 cm when mass and powm are absent. DOS, when accompanied by powm and mass, needs to be only a minimum of 1.9 cm for a correct classification with a 90% probability. Stage IV represents skin without open wounds but with scar tissue indicative of a former shoulder ulcer. Conclusions Based on the association with the histopathological findings as the reference standard a clinical score (Score-C) for the categorisation of shoulder ulcers in sows was developed. This score enables veterinarians and farmers to discriminate shoulder ulcers restricted to the superficial skin layers from ulcers involving all skin layers and sometimes even the underlying bone, which must be assessed as substantial animal welfare-related lesions. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40813-018-0108-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Meyer
- 1Field Station for Epidemiology in Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Buescheler Str. 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Marion Hewicker-Trautwein
- 2Department of Pathology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Buenteweg 17, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Maria Hartmann
- 3Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Lothar Kreienbrock
- 3Institute for Biometry, Epidemiology and Information Processing (IBEI), University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Buenteweg 2, 30559 Hanover, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- 1Field Station for Epidemiology in Bakum, University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover, Foundation Buescheler Str. 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
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Collineau L, Backhans A, Dewulf J, Emanuelson U, Grosse Beilage E, Lehébel A, Loesken S, Okholm Nielsen E, Postma M, Sjölund M, Stärk KDC, Belloc C. Profile of pig farms combining high performance and low antimicrobial usage within four European countries. Vet Rec 2017; 181:657. [PMID: 29051316 DOI: 10.1136/vr.103988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 07/04/2017] [Accepted: 08/13/2017] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Pig farmers are strongly encouraged to reduce their antimicrobial usage because of the rising threat from antimicrobial resistance. However, such efforts should not compromise the herd health status and performance. This study aimed to describe the profile of so-called 'top-farms' that managed to combine both high technical performance and low antimicrobial usage. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 227 farrow-to-finish farms in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden. Among them, 44 farms were allocated to the top-farms group and were compared with the 'regular' farms group in terms of farm characteristics, biosecurity and health status. Top-farms had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms in suckling pigs and fewer respiratory symptoms in fatteners, which could partly explain their reduced need for antimicrobials and higher performance. They also had higher biosecurity and were located in sparsely populated pig areas. However, 14 farms of the top-farms group were located in densely populated pig areas, but still managed to have low usage and high technical performance; they had higher internal biosecurity and more extensive vaccination against respiratory pathogens. These results illustrate that it is possible to control infectious diseases using other approaches than high antimicrobial usage, even in farms with challenging environmental and health conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Collineau
- SAFOSO AG, Liebefeld, Switzerland.,LUNAM Université, Oniris, INRA, Nantes, France
| | - Annette Backhans
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Ulf Emanuelson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Svenja Loesken
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Bakum, Germany
| | | | - Merel Postma
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Marie Sjölund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Uppsala, Sweden.,Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Katharina D C Stärk
- SAFOSO AG, Liebefeld, Switzerland.,Department of Pathobiology and Population Sciences, Royal Veterinary College, Hawkshead, UK
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Holling C, Grosse Beilage E, Vidondo B, Nathues C. Provision of straw by a foraging tower -effect on tail biting in weaners and fattening pigs. Porcine Health Manag 2017; 3:4. [PMID: 28405460 PMCID: PMC5382410 DOI: 10.1186/s40813-017-0052-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Straw is one of the most effective rooting materials to reduce tail biting in pigs. A so-called foraging-tower (FT) provides only small quantities of straw compatible with liquid manure systems. The focus of the present study was on the effect of providing straw by FT in order to prevent tail biting in tail docked pigs. Four consecutive batches of 160 pigs, randomly divided into a straw (SG) and a control group (CG) were followed up from weaning to slaughter. RESULTS Tail wounds (Score ≥ 2) were detected in 104 out of 12,032 single observations (SG n = 48; CG n = 56) in 9 pens (SG n = 4/32; CG n = 5/32) mainly focused on the fattening period of batch 2 due to a failure in the ventilation system. No significant differences concerning the distribution of Score ≥ 2 in pens of the SG and CG could be identified. Bite marks (Score 1) were documented in 395 observations at animal level (SG n = 197, CG n = 198) in all batches. In the nursery period, the air velocity significantly increased the chance that at least one pig per pen and week showed a tail lesion score ≥1 (p = 0.024). In the fattening period ammonia concentration was positively associated with tail lesions (p = 0.007). The investigation of blood samples revealed infections with Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae in all batches and a circulation of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (NA-vaccine strain) and Porcine Circovirus Type 2 in two batches each. The average daily straw consumption was 3.5 g/pig (standard deviation (SD) = 1.1) during the rearing period and 31.9 g/pig (SD = 7.7) during the fattening period. CONCLUSION Due to the low prevalence of tail biting in all batches the effect of the FT tower could not be evaluated conclusively. The operation of the FT with an average daily straw consumption of 3.5 g/pig (SD = 1.1) during the rearing period and 31.9 g/pig (SD = 7.7) during the fattening period did not affect the weight gain. Exploratory behaviour seems to cause bite marks (score 1), which do not necessarily result in tail biting. The main outbreak of tail biting was probably triggered by a failure of the ventilation system, which resulted in a number of climatic and air quality changes including higher ammonia concentrations and sudden temperature changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Holling
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Field Station for Epidemiology, Büscheler Str. 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Field Station for Epidemiology, Büscheler Str. 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Beatriz Vidondo
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, CH-3097 Liebefeld, BE Switzerland
| | - Christina Nathues
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, Schwarzenburgstrasse 155, CH-3097 Liebefeld, BE Switzerland
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Luehrs A, Siegenthaler S, Grützner N, Grosse Beilage E, Kuhnert P, Nathues H. Occurrence of Mycoplasma hyorhinis infections in fattening pigs and association with clinical signs and pathological lesions of Enzootic Pneumonia. Vet Microbiol 2017; 203:1-5. [PMID: 28619130 DOI: 10.1016/j.vetmic.2017.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2016] [Revised: 02/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Respiratory disorders in fattening pigs are of major concern worldwide. Particularly Enzootic Pneumonia remains a problem for the pig industry. This chronic respiratory disease is primarily caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M. hyopneumoniae). However, more recently it was hypothesised that M. hyorhinis can also cause similar lung lesions. To investigate the relevance of M. hyorhinis as a cause of pneumonia in fattening pigs 10 farms in Switzerland (considered free of Enzootic Pneumonia) and 20 farms in Germany (regarded as endemic for Enzootic Pneumonia) with a history of chronic and/or recurrent respiratory diseases were included in the study. During a one-time farm visit the coughing index was determined in the batch of oldest fattening pigs in each farm before submission to slaughter. In total, 1375 lungs from these pigs were collected at the abattoir and individually scored for lesions. Furthermore, 600 lungs with, if present, indicative lesions for Enzootic Pneumonia (purple to grey areas of tissue consolidation in the cranio-ventral lung lobes) were tested for mycoplasma species by culture and by real-time PCR for the presence of M. hyorhinis and M. hyopneumoniae. In total, 15.7% of the selected lungs were tested positive for M. hyorhinis by real-time PCR. The prevalence of M. hyorhinis was 10% in Switzerland and 18.5% in Germany and differed significantly between these two countries (p=0.007). M. hyorhinis was detected significantly more often in pneumonic lungs (p=0.004) but no significant association was found between M. hyorhinis and the coughing index or the M. hyopneumoniae status of the pig. M. hyopneumoniae was detected in 0% and 78.5% of the selected lungs in Switzerland and Germany, respectively. We found no evidence that M. hyorhinis alone can lead to similar lung lesions as seen by an infection with M. hyopneumoniae in fattening pigs. In addition, a simultaneous infection with both M. hyorhinis and M. hyopneumoniae did not aggravate the observed lung lesions. Moreover, the presence of M. hyorhinis showed no clinical effect in terms of coughing at least at the end of the fattening phase. However, different levels of virulence of M. hyorhinis isolates as well as interactions with viral pathogens like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) or porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) were reported in the literature and need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Luehrs
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland; Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bueschelerstr. 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Salome Siegenthaler
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Niels Grützner
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bueschelerstr. 9, 49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Peter Kuhnert
- Institute of Veterinary Bacteriology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Länggassstr. 122, 3001 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Clinic for Swine, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstr. 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland.
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Postma M, Stärk KDC, Sjölund M, Backhans A, Beilage EG, Lösken S, Belloc C, Collineau L, Iten D, Visschers V, Nielsen EO, Dewulf J. Alternatives to the use of antimicrobial agents in pig production: A multi-country expert-ranking of perceived effectiveness, feasibility and return on investment. Prev Vet Med 2015; 118:457-66. [PMID: 25650306 DOI: 10.1016/j.prevetmed.2015.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2014] [Revised: 01/09/2015] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Nineteen alternatives to antimicrobial agents were ranked on perceived effectiveness, feasibility and return on investment (ROI) from 0 (not effective, not feasible, no ROI) to 10 (fully effective, completely feasible, maximum ROI) by 111 pig health experts from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. The top 5 measures in terms of perceived effectiveness were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) improved external biosecurity, (3) improved climate/environmental conditions, (4) high health/Specific Pathogen Free/disease eradication and (5) increased vaccination. The top 5 measures in terms of perceived feasibility were (1) increased vaccination, (2) increased use of anti-inflammatory products, (3) improved water quality, (4) feed quality/optimization and (5) use of zinc/metals. The top 5 measures in terms of perceived ROI were (1) improved internal biosecurity, (2) zinc/metals, (3) diagnostics/action plan, (4) feed quality/optimization and (5) climate/environmental improvements. Univariate linear regression showed that veterinary practitioners rank internal biosecurity, vaccination, use of zinc/metals, feed quality optimization and climate/environmental on average highest, while researchers and professors focused more on increased use of diagnostics and action plans. Financial incentives/penalties ranked low in all countries. Belgian respondents ranked feed quality significantly lower compared to the German respondents while reduction of stocking density was ranked higher in Belgium compared to Denmark. Categorical Principal Component Analysis applied to the average ranking supported the finding that veterinary practitioners had a preference for more practical, common and already known alternatives. The results showed that improvements in biosecurity, increased use of vaccination, use of zinc/metals, feed quality improvement and regular diagnostic testing combined with a clear action plan were perceived to be the most promising alternatives to antimicrobials in industrial pig production based on combined effectiveness, feasibility and ROI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merel Postma
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium.
| | - Katharina D C Stärk
- Safe Food Solutions Inc. SAFOSO AG, Bremgartenstrasse 109A, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Marie Sjölund
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Annette Backhans
- Department of Animal Health and Antimicrobial Strategies, National Veterinary Institute (SVA), SE-751 89 Uppsala, Sweden; Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, P.O. Box 7070, SE-750 07 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büscheler Straße 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Svenja Lösken
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Büscheler Straße 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | | | - Lucie Collineau
- Safe Food Solutions Inc. SAFOSO AG, Bremgartenstrasse 109A, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Denise Iten
- ETH Zürich, Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED), Consumer Behavior, Clausiusstrasse 37, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Vivianne Visschers
- ETH Zürich, Institute for Environmental Decisions (IED), Consumer Behavior, Clausiusstrasse 37, CH-8092 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth O Nielsen
- Danish Agriculture and Food Council, Axelborg, Axeltorv 3, DK-1609 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jeroen Dewulf
- Veterinary Epidemiology Unit, Department of Reproduction, Obstetrics and Herd Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke, Belgium
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13
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Hartnack S, Nathues C, Nathues H, Grosse Beilage E, Lewis FI. Estimating diagnostic test accuracies for Brachyspira hyodysenteriae accounting for the complexities of population structure in food animals. PLoS One 2014; 9:e98534. [PMID: 24906140 PMCID: PMC4048188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0098534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2013] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
For swine dysentery, which is caused by Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection and is an economically important disease in intensive pig production systems worldwide, a perfect or error-free diagnostic test (“gold standard”) is not available. In the absence of a gold standard, Bayesian latent class modelling is a well-established methodology for robust diagnostic test evaluation. In contrast to risk factor studies in food animals, where adjustment for within group correlations is both usual and required for good statistical practice, diagnostic test evaluation studies rarely take such clustering aspects into account, which can result in misleading results. The aim of the present study was to estimate test accuracies of a PCR originally designed for use as a confirmatory test, displaying a high diagnostic specificity, and cultural examination for B. hyodysenteriae. This estimation was conducted based on results of 239 samples from 103 herds originating from routine diagnostic sampling. Using Bayesian latent class modelling comprising of a hierarchical beta-binomial approach (which allowed prevalence across individual herds to vary as herd level random effect), robust estimates for the sensitivities of PCR and culture, as well as for the specificity of PCR, were obtained. The estimated diagnostic sensitivity of PCR (95% CI) and culture were 73.2% (62.3; 82.9) and 88.6% (74.9; 99.3), respectively. The estimated specificity of the PCR was 96.2% (90.9; 99.8). For test evaluation studies, a Bayesian latent class approach is well suited for addressing the considerable complexities of population structure in food animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja Hartnack
- Section of Epidemiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
- * E-mail:
| | - Christina Nathues
- Veterinary Public Health Institute, Vetsuisse Faculty, Liebefeld, Switzerland
| | - Heiko Nathues
- Department of Production and Population Health, Royal Veterinary College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bakum, Germany
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14
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Albrecht A, Grosse Beilage E, Henning M, Bekendorf T, Krieter J. Growth performance and carcass characteristics of Improvac-treated male pigs compared with barrows. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2012; 125:456-462. [PMID: 23227762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
The present study assessed the effects of using Improvac (Pfizer Animal Health, Germany) on growth performance and meat characteristics in cross-bred male pigs. In addition average daily weight gain of immunised and surgically castrated males was estimated in order to demonstrate differences in growing patterns in these two treatment groups. The study was carried out in two identical batches. Pigs within batches (n = 446) were allocated to two different treatment groups: immunisation (IM) versus surgical castration (CM). Within treatment groups pigs were randomly assigned to two different diets (low- and high-lysine diet) in order to examine interactions of growth performance and castration technique. Vaccination was performed on the day of entry to the fattening unit and four to six weeks prior to slaughter. At the second vaccination IM-pigs showed significantly lower body weights than the control group (p < 0.05) in both batches. Throughout the whole fattening period CM-pigs tended to have a higher feed intake than IM-pigs while IM-pigs had a significantly lower (better) feed conversion ratio than CM-pigs (p < 0.05).The different lysine content of the diets had no coherent effect on any of the growth performance parameters analysed. Immunised pigs of both feeding groups and in both batches showed a tendency towards a lower carcass weight, back fat values and dressing percentages than surgically castrated pigs.The castration technique had no significant effect on meat quality parameters such as drip loss, shear force or cooking loss while intramuscular fat content (IMF) in immunised pigs fed high-lysine diets (IM(high)) tended to be higher than IMF in immunised pigs fed low-lysine diets (IM(low)). This effect was not seen in surgical castrates in either batch. Immunisation against GnRH offers a good approach to produce taint-free pork while ensuring boar-like growth for a large part of the fattening period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Albrecht
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry, Kiel, Germany
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15
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Starick E, Lange E, Grund C, Grosse Beilage E, Döhring S, Maas A, Noé T, Beer M, Harder TC. Reassortants of pandemic influenza A virus H1N1/2009 and endemic porcine HxN2 viruses emerge in swine populations in Germany. J Gen Virol 2012; 93:1658-1663. [PMID: 22622326 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.042648-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The incursion of the human pandemic influenza A virus H1N1 (2009) (H1N1 pdm) into pig populations and its ongoing co-circulation with endemic swine influenza viruses (SIVs) has yielded distinct human-porcine reassortant virus lineages. The haemagglutinin (HA) gene of H1N1 pdm was detected in 41 influenza virus-positive samples from seven swine herds in north-west Germany in 2011. Eight of these samples yielded virus that carried SIV-derived neuraminidase N2 of three different porcine lineages in an H1N1 pdm backbone. The HA sequences of these viruses clustered in two distinct groups and were distinguishable from human and other porcine H1 pdm by a unique set of eight non-synonymous mutations. In contrast to the human population, where H1N1 pdm replaced seasonal H1N1, this virus seems to co-circulate and interact more intensely with endemic SIV lineages, giving rise to reassortants with as-yet-unknown biological properties and undetermined risks for public health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Starick
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elke Lange
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Christian Grund
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Grosse Beilage
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büscheler Str. 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Stefanie Döhring
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Büscheler Str. 9, D-49456 Bakum, Germany
| | - Alexander Maas
- vaxxinova GmbH, Anton Flettner-Str. 6, D-27472 Cuxhaven, Germany
| | - Thomas Noé
- vaxxinova GmbH, Anton Flettner-Str. 6, D-27472 Cuxhaven, Germany
| | - Martin Beer
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Timm C Harder
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Suedufer 10, D-17493 Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Starick E, Lange E, Fereidouni S, Bunzenthal C, Höveler R, Kuczka A, Grosse Beilage E, Hamann HP, Klingelhöfer I, Steinhauer D, Vahlenkamp T, Beer M, Harder T. Reassorted pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza A virus discovered from pigs in Germany. J Gen Virol 2011; 92:1184-1188. [PMID: 21307227 DOI: 10.1099/vir.0.028662-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
A natural reassortant influenza A virus consisting of seven genome segments from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 virus and a neuraminidase segment from a Eurasian porcine H1N1 influenza A virus was detected in a pig herd in Germany. The obvious reassortment compatibility between the pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and H1N1 viruses of porcine origin raises concern as to whether swine may become a reservoir for further reassortants of pandemic (H1N1) 2009 viruses with unknown implications for human health and swine production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Starick
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Elke Lange
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | | | - Claudia Bunzenthal
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Rhein-Ruhr-Wupper, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Robert Höveler
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Rhein-Ruhr-Wupper, Krefeld, Germany
| | - Annette Kuczka
- Chemisches und Veterinäruntersuchungsamt Rhein-Ruhr-Wupper, Krefeld, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Martin Beer
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Timm Harder
- Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Moorkamp L, Nathues H, Spergser J, Tegeler R, Grosse Beilage E. Detection of respiratory pathogens in porcine lung tissue and lavage fluid. Vet J 2008; 175:273-5. [PMID: 17339121 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2007.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2006] [Revised: 01/15/2007] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this study was to compare the detection rate of bacterial agents in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), taken without visual control, to that in affected lung tissue obtained from the same pig at necropsy. BALF and affected lung tissue were examined for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae using PCR, and standard cultural methods were used for Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Haemophilus parasuis, Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus suis. All pigs with a history of respiratory symptoms were submitted as live animals for routine diagnostic examination. In each animal the site of lavage, marked by injecting methylene blue, differed from the site of pneumonic lesions. M. hyopneumoniae was detected more frequently in lung tissue than in BALF in cases with moderate or severe lung lesions. The detection rates of M. hyopneumoniae were higher in the BALF of pigs with mild lesions. Cultural examination of BALF was at least as satisfactory as affected lung tissue for detecting B. bronchiseptica, H. parasuis and P. multocida.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lars Moorkamp
- Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Foundation, Bakum 49456, Germany
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Grosse Beilage E, Bätza HJ. [PRRSV-eradication: an option for pig herds in Germany?]. Berl Munch Tierarztl Wochenschr 2007; 120:470-479. [PMID: 18085157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The problem of successfully controling PRRS with traditional methods has led to a growing interest in eradication. This review summarizes the current literature on topics of PRRS-eradication, including the relevant routine diagnostic procedures, routes of virus transmission between pig herds (as i.e. pig movement, semen, aerosols, insects, fomites, transport vehicles) and eradication by close&rollover and test&removal, respectively. On the basis of this knowledge and experiences it can be concluded that PRRS eradication in Germany with its intensive pig production and remarkably high pig density in several regions may only be possible through a national eradication program. The lack of potent marker vaccines that reduce the virus spread significantly, combined with the lack of differentiating diagnostic tests for routine laboratory use leads to the recommendation not to launch a national eradication program under the given circumstances. For the future it should be taken into account that the situation after reintroduction of PRRSV in a free region could only be managed by stamping-out which is generally poorly accepted by the majority of pig producers.
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