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What Does Biosecurity on Pork Operations Look Like to You?

The only cure at this time for African swine fever (ASF), a deadly virus that affects swine, is prevention. USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services (APHIS) is looking for entries in its ASF “I Protect Pigs” photo contest.

This contest promotes the importance of good biosecurity behaviors by encouraging the public to submit a photo of owner/pig safety practices in action. Entries will be accepted until midnight on Feb. 14.

Winners will be featured on APHIS’ site and social media channels to help promote the important role biosecurity plays in foreign animal disease prevention.

Here are a few picture-perfect ways to safeguard America’s swine:
• Limiting on-farm traffic
• Wearing clean clothes and shoes around pigs
• Washing on-farm equipment and vehicles
• Preventing contact with feral pigs
• Storing feed where wildlife can’t get it
• NOT eating ‘people-food’ near animals

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Season 5, Episode 11: New Split Suckling Research Reveals Surprises

Video: Season 5, Episode 11: New Split Suckling Research Reveals Surprises

A recent research collaboration between a university and a commercial farm studied 1,500 sows and 22,000 piglets and discovered unexpected findings about the common practice of split suckling. Their research found that this long-standing practice might not be benefiting piglets on day one as much as producers previously thought.

Discussing the research are Mikayla Spinler, a graduate research assistant at Kansas State University, and Ashley Hartman, a research coordinator at Pillen Family Farms and DNA Genetics. The two discuss how the research was chosen, conducted and next steps on today’s episode.