African Swine Fever (ASF) was reported in domestic pigs in China in 2018. This highly contagious viral infection with no effective vaccine reached pandemic proportions by 2019, substantially impacting protein availability in the same region where the COVID-19 pandemic subsequently emerged. We discuss the genesis, spread, and wide-reaching impacts of this epidemic in a vital livestock species, noting parallels and potential contributions to ignition of COVID-19. We speculate about impacts of these pandemics on global public health infrastructure and suggest intervention strategies using a cost: benefit approach for low-risk, massive-impact events. We note that substantive changes in how the world reacts to potential threats will be required to overcome catastrophes driven by climate change, food insecurity, lack of surveillance infrastructure, and other gaps. A One Health approach creating collaborative processes connecting expertise in human, animal, and environmental health is essential for combating future global health crises. Tucker C, Fagre A, Wittemyer G, Webb T, Abworo E, VandeWoude S. Parallel pandemics illustrate the need for One Health solutions. Front Microbiol. 2021 Oct. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2021.718546
Monthly Archives: October 2021
Surgeons Successfully Test Pig Kidney Transplant in Human Patient
For the first time, a pig kidney has been transplanted into a human without triggering immediate rejection by the recipient’s immune system, a potentially major advance that could eventually help alleviate a dire shortage of human organs for transplant. [Source: Farm Journal’s Pork 21 October 2021]
A Systematic Review on the Effectiveness of Pre-Harvest Meat Safety Interventions in Pig Herds to Control Salmonella and Other Foodborne Pathogens
This systematic review aimed to assess the effectiveness of pre-harvest interventions to control the main foodborne pathogens in pork in the European Union. A total of 1180 studies were retrieved from PubMed® and Web of Science for 15 pathogens identified as relevant in EFSA’s scientific opinion on the public health hazards related to pork (2011). The study selection focused on controlled studies where a cause-effect could be attributed to the interventions tested, and their effectiveness could be inferred. Altogether, 52 studies published from 1983 to 2020 regarding Campylobacter spp., Clostridium perfringens, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, Mycobacterium avium, and Salmonella spp. were retained and analysed. Research was mostly focused on Salmonella (n = 43 studies). In-feed and/or water treatments, and vaccination were the most tested interventions and were, overall, successful. However, the previously agreed criteria for this systematic review excluded other effective interventions to control Salmonella and other pathogens, like Yersinia enterocolitica, which is one of the most relevant biological hazards in pork. Examples of such successful interventions are the Specific Pathogen Free herd principle, stamping out and repopulating with disease-free animals. Research on other pathogens (i.e., Hepatitis E, Trichinella spiralis and Toxoplasma gondii) was scarce, with publications focusing on epidemiology, risk factors and/or observational studies. Overall, high herd health coupled with good management and biosecurity were effective to control or prevent most foodborne pathogens in pork at the pre-harvest level. Rodrigues da Costa M, Pessoa J, Meemken D, Nesbakken T. A systematic review on the effectiveness of pre-harvest meat safety interventions in pig herds to control salmonella and other foodborne pathogens. Microorganisms. 2021 Aug. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms9091825
Applicants Sought for Alternate Student Delegate on AASV Board of Directors
The AASV Student Recruitment Committee is accepting applications from veterinary students interested in serving as the Alternate Student Delegate on the AASV Board of Directors. This student will represent student interests and serve as a non-voting member of the AASV board. This experience will provide the student with a unique perspective of the inner workings of the AASV. The term of service is 2 years; the first year as alternate student delegate, and the second year as the student delegate.
People on the Move: Dr. Chris Olsen
Dr. Chris Olsen has joined Phileo by Lesaffre as the Midwest Regional Sales Manager for Swine. In this capacity, he will use his experience and knowledge in the swine industry to bring Phileo by Lesaffre’s live yeast and fermentation solutions to veterinarians, nutritionists and swine producers across the midwestern US. Dr. Olsen graduated from Iowa State University in 2016 and was previously employed by Pharmacosmos as their Senior Technical Service Manager. His updated contact information is available at aasv.org/directory. Are you on the move? If so, let us know at aasv@aasv.org.
Last Chance! Register by Oct 29 for the AASV Early Career Swine Veterinarian Conference
There are still a few available seats for the AASV Early Career Swine Veterinarian Conference, but this is the last chance to catch them before they’re gone! On October 29, any remaining seats will be made available to AASV student members, with preference given to 4th year students.
Webinar Oct 28: Understanding PRRS 1-4-4
The swine industry is battling one of the toughest strains ever of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus.
SMEC Case Rounds and Daily Questions
DID YOU KNOW, that the Swine Medicine Education Center (SMEC) hosts live, on-line, monthly case rounds for veterinary students and offers daily swine clinical questions via email that are free to subscribe to, called SMEC L.E.A.R.N. Daily?
Wellness Wednesday: Education, Communication Are Important Strategies to Prevent Suicide among Veterinarians
The first AVMA hosted Suicide Prevention Roundtable presented evidence-based strategies for suicide prevention and effective communication on the topic. Read the fully story in JAVMA. [Source: JAVMA 1 November 2021]
2022-2023 AABP Manage Your Rural Practice for Success Workshops
The American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP) Veterinary Practice Sustainability (VPS) committee applied for and received a USDA-NIFA grant to fund practice management workshops. These workshops are available to any veterinarian, less than 10 years in practice, who is at least 10% food animal. Preference is given to those in designated shortage areas. AABP membership is not required for application.