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Manitoba strives for PED eradication

Manitoba strives for PED eradication

Though two new cases have been reported this month, the industry has made great progress in recovering from the 82 cases in 2019

By Jackie Clark
Staff Writer
Farms.com         

Producers in Manitoba reported two new cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) at the beginning of June, however, swine industry experts are still confident that their efforts to eliminate the disease are progressing.

Swine industry officials usually see a PED outbreak starting in mid-April or May, Dr. Glen Duizer, an animal health surveillance veterinarian with Manitoba Agriculture, told Farms.com.

“We still had three farms from the large outbreak in 2019 that were on their way through recovery and elimination; they just hadn't quite wrapped it up yet. They were well down that path and didn't have any active infected cases on those operations,” Duizer said. The “two new cases that we saw in 2020 are not linked to any of the remaining farms that were left from the 2019 outbreak.”

Swine industry stakeholders are also encouraged because the two new cases occurred later in the year than is typical, and are “in or near our previously affected areas and in our high-risk areas where we see PED on an annual basis,” Duizer added.

Southeastern Manitoba is a higher-risk region for PED because of the concentration of swine operations, as well as previous outbreaks.

Of course, producers near the new outbreaks should “take extra precautions, including extra barn biosecurity and monitoring for clinical signs,” he said.

“The fact that (the two new cases) came on, really, a month to six weeks later than we really traditionally have seen in the province is really good news in itself,” Jenelle Hamblin told Farms.com. She’s the manager of swine health programs for Manitoba Pork.

The industry has worked hard on awareness and prevention, including changes in biosecurity protocols.

Producers have tightened up how they move pigs and people around farms, including “entry protocols for staff, and load-out procedures when animals are being moved,” Hamblin said. “I think staff and production managers are more aware of the risks that could be posed during entry and exit procedures.”

This effort has involved talking with staff, but also other service providers who visit the farm, she added.

Industry stakeholders have also prioritized “dust control … in southeastern Manitoba, where we have had a majority of cases. It can be very dry and very dusty” which may be a risk factor for the spread of PED, Hamblin explained.

Producers and other workers in the industry are also mindful of controlling risk factors like manure application, on-farm traffic, and transport cleaning and disinfection.

“The work that's been done on transport cleaning and disinfection absolutely played a huge role in where we are today,” Hamblin said.

Great strides have been made to recover from outbreaks over the past several years and to prevent new cases in the province, but there is more work to be done.

“We're not done with the eradication efforts, the elimination efforts” Hamblin said.

However, “looking back to the 82 cases of PED they had in Manitoba last year … it really speaks volumes to the determination and the will that people across the sector have put into PED control, and elimination over the last year,” Dr. Jette Christensen, manager of the Canada West Swine Health Intelligence Network, told Farms.com.

“The reason that they got so close to actually having cleaned up the all the cases from last year is because, across the board, from the producers to the veterinarians, to the province, and to the pork board, they've all done an incredible job of dealing with PED,” she said.

The efforts of individuals working in the industry have made the difference.

“I’m really speaking to the human factor,” Christensen said. “You can set up whatever control program and restrictions, but it’s the people that really decide that they want to do this, that makes it work.”

People have come together in Manitoba from all parts of the swine industry for open discussions and information-sharing on the subject.  

“We tend to think that if you write a lot of restrictions and procedures down on a piece of paper, that it’s fixed. But it's what happens in the real world, with the people and the individual person's motivation to make this work that makes a difference,” Christensen explained. “And I think that’s why in Manitoba they’ve come so close.”

National Pork Board and the Pork Checkoff, Des Moines, Iowa photo


Trending Video

Guardians of Swine Health - Unveiling the PRRS/PEDV Enigma with Dr. Gisele from Lanxess

Video: Guardians of Swine Health - Unveiling the PRRS/PEDV Enigma with Dr. Gisele from Lanxess

Welcome to a riveting episode of "Guardians of Swine Health," where we embark on a journey through the intricate tapestry of swine health. Joining us today is the esteemed Dr. Gisele from Lanxess, a beacon in the field of biosecurity. Together, we delve into the enigma of PRRS and PEDV, unraveling the complexities that challenge swine herds worldwide. Exploring the Viral Enigma: Dr. Gisele takes center stage, guiding us through a captivating PowerPoint presentation. She unravels the mysteries surrounding PRRS and PEDV, shedding light on the pathogens that threaten the respiratory, reproductive, and digestive systems of our beloved swine populations. Focus on Critical Gaps: Our exploration zeroes in on the critical gaps that persist during disinfection and cleaning practices. Dr. Gisele, with her wealth of expertise, navigates us through the nuances of biosecurity, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach in safeguarding swine herds. Cost Savings through Strategic Biosecurity: The presentation takes an insightful turn as Dr. Gisele unveils the economic impact of strategic biosecurity measures. She demonstrates how a robust approach not only protects swine health but also translates into substantial cost savings for farmers. It's a win-win for both the pigs and the pocketbook.

Key Points:

1. Understanding PRRS and PEDV:

o Dr. Gisele provides a comprehensive overview of the PRRS and PEDV pathogens, ensuring a deep understanding of the threats faced by swine herds.

2. Navigating Biosecurity Gaps:

o The discussion explores the critical gaps in current disinfection and cleaning practices, offering insights on how to fortify these weak points.

3. Cost-Effective Strategies:

o Dr. Gisele unveils actionable strategies that not only enhance swine health but also contribute to significant cost savings for farmers.

Conclusion: As Dr. Gisele concludes her presentation, we're left with a profound appreciation for the intricate dance between science and practicality in swine health. This episode serves as a beacon for farmers, veterinarians, and enthusiasts alike, guiding them in the relentless pursuit of safeguarding our swine herds against the enigmatic threats of PRRS and PEDV.
 

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