Improving piglet pre-weaning survival can critically impact profitability in pork production. Keeping pre-weaning mortality low can optimize the number of market pigs sold per sow per year. This can ultimately keep overhead costs low per pig sold. However, improving piglet survival from birth to weaning can be difficult. Newborn piglets need a warm environment, 90-95 F, while sows like the ambient temperature to be near 70 F. In addition, piglets are often born with low energy stores and little immunity to combat environmental pathogens. For piglets to thrive, they must consume ample amounts of colostrums, which is high in energy and immunoglobulins, specifically immunoglobulins G (IgG), which improves passive immunity and help prevents occurrence of disease.
Monthly Archives: September 2011
DNA Vaccination Elicits Protective Immune Responses against Pandemic and Classic Swine Influenza Viruses in Pigs
Swine influenza is a highly contagious viral infection in pigs that significantly impacts the pork industry due to weight loss and secondary infections. There is also the potential of a significant threat to public health, as was seen in 2009 when the H1N1 pandemic strain emerged from reassortment events between avian, swine, and human influenza viruses within pigs. As classic and pandemic H1N1 strains now circulate in swine, an effective vaccine may be the best strategy to protect the pork industry and public health. Current inactivated vaccines available for swine influenza protect only against viral strains closely related to the vaccine strain, and egg-based production of these vaccines is insufficient to respond to large outbreaks. DNA vaccines are a promising alternative since they can potentially induce broad-based protection with more efficient production methods. In this study we evaluated the potential of monovalent and trivalent DNA vaccine constructs to 1) elicit both humoral and IFN-γ responses, and 2) protect pigs against viral shedding and lung disease after challenge with pandemic H1N1 or classic swine H1N1 influenza virus. We also compared the efficiency of a needle-free vaccine delivery method to conventional needle/syringe injection. We report that DNA vaccination elicits robust serum antibody and cellular responses after three immunizations, and confers significant protection against influenza challenge. Needle-free delivery elicited improved antibody responses with the same efficiency as conventional injection, and should be considered for development as a practical alternative for vaccine administration.
FSIS Begins New Pork Screening Tests
The USDAâs Food Safety and Inspection Service has replaced the Fast Antimicrobial Screen test (FAST) with the Kidney Inhibition Swab (KIS) test for swine carcasses at processing establishments that slaughter both swine and cattle and where the KIS test is already in use for cattle, according to the American Meat Institute.
Upcoming Conference: Passion for Pigs – December 14
“Battling through Tough Times” is the title of the motivational presentation that will set the stage for the 4th annual Passion for Pigs Seminar and Trade Show in Columbia, Missouri. Kellen Winslow, Sr, former tight end for the San Diego Chargers and member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will make the featured presentation at the conference, scheduled for Wednesday, December 14 at the Holiday Inn Select Executive Center. The conference is open to both producers and veterinarians, and the program offers CE credit for veterinarians.
Gordon Spronk honored with Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award
Gordon Spronk, DVM, is the recipient of the 2011 Allen D. Leman Science in Practice Award. The award was presented at the Allen D. Leman Swine Conference, Sept. 17-20, 2011, in St. Paul, Minn. by Pfizer Animal Health and the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine.
Harold Gonyou Receives Honorary Fellow Award
“Leaving a positive impact on the field of ethology, animal welfare in general, the industry and society” that is how Dr. Harold Gonyou was introduced during his recent induction as an Honorary Fellow of the ISAE (International Society for Applied Ethology) at their annual meeting in Indianapolis in August. The Society was hosting their 45th international conference, an important event in meeting their mission to provide a “forum for the presentation and discussion of advances in applied animal behaviour science and education, and inspires further innovations…”
Position Announcement: Faculty Member in Swine Health
The University of Minnesota, College of Veterinary Medicine, Veterinary Population Medicine Department announces the recruitment for a faculty position in Swine Health. The University seeks an individual with outstanding credentials and a record as a leader in the application of science-based medicine for the improvement of swine health and production. The position will be a 100%, tenure track faculty position. The appointment will be at the rank of assistant or associate professor, dependent upon qualifications and experience consistent with collegiate and University policy.
“””Dig Deep and Reach High”” in Denver!”
The AASV Foundation Auction Committee is setting its sights high in the mile-high city of Denver, Colorado, aiming for a record fundraising auction in 2012! Last spring, the Foundation re-appointed Dr. Warren Wilson as chair of the auction committee with the (tongue-in-cheek) stipulation that he continue as chairman until an auction brings in $100,000 – so the goal for 2012 is to raise $99,999!
PQA Plus® Advisor Certification Training to be offered November 15
Veterinarians and others in Iowaâs pork industry have the opportunity to become Pork Quality Assurance Plus® Advisors under the National Pork Board’s PQA Plus® program. The certification process requires attendance at a daylong training session and passing an exam at the conclusion of that session. The Iowa Pork Industry Center (IPIC) at Iowa State University (ISU) will hold one such training November 15 in the VDPAM Conference room, 2215 Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center, ISU campus. There is a limit of 30, so those who qualify and are interested in the program should download, complete and submit the two-page application form available online at http://www.ipic.iastate.edu/PQAPapp111511.docx soon. The form also is available by fax by calling IPIC at 515-294-4103. The application deadline is Nov. 8, 2011, and the $75 fee is due from approved applicants by the time of the certification session.