Strengthen Biosecurity On Poultry Farms

Mar 20, 2015

Avian Influenza has once again appeared in the US with Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri being the most recent states to test positive for this highly pathogenic disease with heavy losses for farms that have come down sick.

Extension Poultry Educator Dr. Gregory Martin reminds us cleaning and disinfection (C&D) are the vanguards of a good biosecurity program. If you are moving equipment from one animal facility to another it should be second nature to C&D the equipment to prevent diseases from moving with you. Equipment that may appear clean may prove to become a foamite, a vehicle to transport bacteria and viruses to another location.

To fight this, start by washing down the equipment to remove visible dirt. Use a soap solution to soap down the equipment and brush down all surfaces. After rinsing with clear water, apply a sanitizer that will coat the surface and kill any remaining microbes. For boots, tools, and vehicles be sure to periodically C&D to bring down bacterial levels. By doing a great job of C&D you put a barrier between your animals and infectious agents.

Source:psu.edu

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Genetic research and new technologies continue to influence the future of swine health and production efficiency. In this episode, we explore how research and technology are being used to support stronger, more resilient pigs, while also improving overall production outcomes. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Jenelle Dunkelberger, geneticist with Topigs Norsvin, to discuss both routine and emerging strategies for improving piglet, pig, and sow livability. She outlines two primary approaches to enhancing resiliency: gene editing and traditional selective breeding. Continuing the resiliency conversation, we also hear from Dr. Lucina Galina, director of technical research projects at the Pig Improvement Company. She shares insights into ongoing gene-editing work focused on PRRS, detailing the pathway to success, regulatory and practical considerations, and the questions that still remain as the technology evolves. Together, these conversations provide a closer look at how research, genetics and innovation are shaping the future of swine health and livability.