New Brachyspira Diagnostic Method Expected in 2019

Apr 26, 2018

Scientists with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine hope to make a new diagnostic method for identifying Brachyspira more generally available in 2019.

Scientists with the University of Saskatchewan, on behalf of Swine Innovation Porc with support from Elanco Animal Health, are working to identify the most effective antimicrobials for treating specific strains of Brachyspira.

Dr. Joe Rubin, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Microbiology with the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, says the work was prompted by the emergence of a novel species of Brachyspira, Brachyspira hampsonii in the late 2000s, which revealed the diagnostic challenges associated with Brachyspira and the limitations of existing diagnostic techniques.

Dr. Joe Rubin-University of Saskatchewan:

In line with that we realized that we needed methods that would allow us to give producers and swine practitioners laboratory evidence to help them select the most appropriate antimicrobials to use for treating affected herds and that was really what led to this study.

The overall goal was to develop some diagnostic techniques and we actually have been able to develop a new susceptibility test method which has worked really well in our lab and we've actually been able to start piloting offering the availability of this test to a small number of practitioners in western Canada.

Source : Farmscape

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.