Optimizing reproductive efficiency in the breeding herd is a key driver of farm profitability. Vaccinating the breeding herd against Parvovirus, Leptospirosis, and Erysipelas (“PLE” vaccines) is a well-established practice in the swine industry to help achieve optimal reproductive performance by protecting gilts and sows from pregnancy losses caused by these 3 organisms.
Porcine Parvovirus is present in all pig producing countries. The predominant signs of Parvovirus in a herd are an increase in: fetal death, mummification, stillbirths and delayed return to estrus. The gilt or sow will not appear sick.
Leptospirosis is rarely diagnosed in Canadian conventional swine herds but can be associated with an increase in: abortions, stillbirths, repeat breeding animals, a decrease in live born pigs, and an increase in poor/weak live born pigs.
Erysipelas is found on most if not all pig farms and many pigs carry it on their tonsils without any signs of disease. Up to about 8 weeks of age, pigs are typically protected from disease due to maternal antibodies acquired from the sow’s colostrum. A susceptible gilt or sow infected with Erysipelas will run a high fever (40 °C) and appear sick. Clinical signs can include: sudden death, off-feed, diamond skin lesions, and lameness due to joint infections. If the animal is pregnant; abortion, mummification, or return to estrus may occur.
Parvovirus, Leptospirosis and Erysipelas are spread between pigs primarily by infected animals shedding the organisms in their faeces/urine/saliva and susceptible animals consuming this contaminated body waste. These pathogens are hardy and can survive in a barn environment, increasing the likelihood of animals being infected with them. •
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Individual Pig Care, It’s The Right Thing To Do®
Doing the right thing may do more good than you know. For pigs. For your business. And for pork. It starts with caring for each pig, every day. It can lead to a stronger business, better image, healthier industry and happier consumers.
Care is Just A Concept Until It’s Brought To Life With Individual Attention.
The key to care begins with focus. Not just glancing around at groups of pigs, but looking closely at the ears, snout, posture and attitude of each one. By observing each and every pig, sick ones can be spotted sooner, the right anti-infective can be used more appropriately, recoveries can be quicker and more pigs are likely to reach their full market potential.
The Fastest Way to Get them Back On Tract Is To Do The Right Thing At The Right Time.
Some of the many benefits of individual pig care can include:
• Less death loss • Faster recoveries • More prudent and cost-effective use of medicine • Fewer culls and lights • Reduced labour • More full-value pigs at market • Fewer re-treats
The ABCs of identifying sick pigs
Teaching the ABCs of identifying these pigs earlier helps make treatment choices that can lead to better responses. Contact your committed Zoetis representative to see how we may be able to help you in conjunction with your herd veterinarian. •
