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Genetic Analysis of Strep Zoo Underway

U.S. researchers are stepping up their focus on Streptococcus zooepidemicus. On behalf of the Swine Health Information Center, the Iowa State University Veterinary Diagnostic Lab is conducting a genetic analysis of recent Streptococcus zooepidemicus cases identified in US Assembly Yards.
 
Swine Health Information Center Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg says this organism is a sporadic cause of disease in multiple animal species and, while it's rarely associated with disease in swine, it's been reported in Manitoba, Wisconsin, Ohio, Tennessee and North Carolina.
 
Clip-Dr. Paul Sundberg-Swine Health Information Center:
 
In the genetic analysis that's been done so far, and that it's still ongoing, it looks like this strep that's causing the specific problem in pigs, although it's a commensal in horses, probably originated in China. It looks like that was the first report of this particular Streptococcus showing up in China and that was 20 years ago.
 
Now, this year, for unknown reasons, we see it in North America and we see what's happening. We do know from the epidemiology work with looking at the bacteria and its effect in pigs and how it's moved in those assembly yards that it can be a very quick progression of disease with very high mortality rates and that is certainly of concern.
 
But I also want to stress that this is a normal Streptococcus out in the environment that got into the wrong species and it's causing problems in there so we want to make sure that we learn those lessons and do the best we can do to make sure we know how to clean and disinfect and prevent infections in the future.
Source : Farmscape

Trending Video

Protect Canadian Livestock From FMD

Video: Protect Canadian Livestock From FMD

Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a highly infectious virus that has disastrous consequences for the livestock industry and the population of beef cattle and other cloven-hoofed animals worldwide. Fortunately, Canada has achieved FMD-free status, but everyone must stay vigilant to the risks and be prompt in our response in case of a possible outbreak.

This animated video produced by the Beef Cattle Research Council demonstrates just how important following prevention and quarantine recommendations are for Canadian travelers. The tale of Jennifer and Richard follows two farmers on an excursion overseas to an area known to be infected with Foot and Mouth Disease. The decisions that the two travelers make upon their return to Canada highlig