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New Lawsonia Intracellularis Vaccine Allows Differentiation Between Infected and Vaccinated

A new vaccine being developed by the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization will allow pork producers to differentiate between animals infected by Lawsonia intracellularis from those that have been vaccinated against the infection. Lawsonia intracellularis, a bacteria found in most of the world's swine herds, causes Ileitis, a swelling of the intestine in pigs.
 
Researchers with VIDO-InterVac are developing a subunit DIVA vaccine which will allow producers to differentiate between infected and vaccinated animals. Dr. Heather Wilson, a research scientist with VIDO-InterVac, says this is one of the most economically significant production diseases.
 
Clip-Dr. Heather Wilson-VIDO-InterVac:
 
It's an interesting disease because it's actually in about 95 percent of the herds worldwide so it's absolutely everywhere. For the most part we almost call it a commensal, so it's just kind of in the background but it doesn’t cause disease and yet, in some instances and we don't understand why, it can actually lead to this disease.
 
Whether there's new strains coming in, that's something we're looking at. There's two forms of the disease. One form affects the weaner piglet, so just after you take them from mom. If the disease attacks them at that stage, the piglets are usually fine.
 
They clinically don't show much sign of infection but the intestine gets thicker and they have a poor ability to absorb nutrients, which means you're feeding them more to get them up to market weight so it's more an economic impact. But, if you impact the grower pig, that can be a devastating disease, bloody diarrhea and they have very poor health very very quickly.
Source : Farmscape

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Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.