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Threat of ASF Inspires Heightened Awareness Preparation Cooperation

The Senior Vice President Industry and Government Relations with Maple Leaf Foods says the specter of African Swine Fever has inspired a never before seen atmosphere of awareness, preparation and cooperation. African Swine Fever preparation and response was the focus of a panel discussion last week during Saskatchewan Pork Industry 2019 in Saskatoon.
 
Rory McAlpine, the Senior Vice President Industry and Government Relations with Maple Leaf Foods, says a very comprehensive national action plan has actually been developed that covers the four components of prevention, preparation, response and recovery.
 
Clip-Rory McAlpine-Maple Leaf Foods:
 
In a good management scenario you have to really do the planning for everything. You can't just hope that your prevention will be adequate. You've got to prepare, you've got to be ready to respond. There's a lot of action that is being executed by all the industry players and very much so by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
 
In fact we've got an African Swine Fever Executive Management Board where the government and industry leaders are working together to oversee the execution of this plan. Then of course, as a company for example, we're one of many that are putting a lot of new effort into enhanced biosecurity. As an industry we invest greatly in the Pig Trace system. Traceability is really important.
 
We do a lot in terms of the veterinary profession's oversight and the issue that we discussed here at the symposium, vaccine research is critical. Right now there's no vaccine available for it and a lot of work still to do there but the investments are incurring in all of those areas. It's a question of really moving fast enough to be prepared knowing that it literally could hit North America tomorrow.
Source : Farmscape

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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.