SAPPO pig production course SAPPO pig production course

BiosecurityBiosecurity• Why is it important ?Why is it important ?

• What are we afraid of ?What are we afraid of ?• What can we do about it ?What can we do about it ?• What will it cost ?What will it cost ?• Where can we get help ?Where can we get help ?

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Why is it important?

• South Africa is an active part of the global village with its rapid communications and increasing volumes of imports and exports;

• Genetic improvement goes with imported semen and live pigs, both of which can carry diseases;

• Emerging and small herds are not protected from getting infections and passing them on;

• Every part of pig production is concerned – breeding, housing, feeding, health and marketing.

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The threats:• Destructive diseases eg African swine fever, hog

cholera, blue ear disease, foot and mouth, exotic viruses;

• Common economic diseases eg E coli enteritis, respiratory conditions, mange, reproductive failure, worms;

• Stock theft

Biosecurity Biosecurity • Destructive diseases

ASF: total loss FMD: vesicles

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• Economic diseases

Parvovirus mummies Ascaris worms in intestine

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• Where do destructive diseases come from ?

Sources:• 1. Bought-in pigs from auctions, speculators;• 2. People: neighbours, family, friends, reps.

officials, vets;• 3. Swill, especially if it includes animal tissues;• 4. Vehicles from millers, butchers, dealers;• 5. Containers, especially second-hand feed

sacks;• 6. Birds, dogs, rodents;• 7. Water, dust, wind

Biosecurity Biosecurity • What can we do?Rules to keep infections out of your herd:• 1. Fence the property in a way that keeps your pigs in and

other pigs, dogs and people out; secure the gate with chain and padlock;

• 2. Put notices on fences and gates; be strict;• 3. Keep pigs in pens or small camps away from the fence;

2nd hand materials are OK The message is clear

BiosecurityBiosecurityRules continued:

• 4. Comfortable, usable pens don’t have to be expensive;• 5. Simple, non- wasting food or water holder helps costs

and hygiene

BiosecurityBiosecurity• Rules continued; feeding:-• 6. Give pigs the best quality feed you can afford;

• 7. NEVER feed any food of animal origin;• 8. NEVER feed anything from a harbour or airport;• 9. Cook all raw putrescible material for 30 minutes• 10. Use nutritious dry food such as old bakery items, dated

dog, horse or other cubes;• 11. Bulky, energy-rich vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, butternut )

Balanced rations are best Boiling raw “swill” is a must

Biosecurity Biosecurity • Rules continued, water:-• 12. All pigs need water, lactating sows need large

amounts – up to 30 litres per day with a big litter;

• 13. Water quality is important – it can act as a transmitter of infections

Water supplies can be a big problem

A clever water system

BiosecurityBiosecurity• Rules continued, pigs and veterinary help:

• 14. Separate new pigs from the herd for four weeks while they are tested and treated;

• 15. Ask for veterinary advice regarding routine treatments and preventive measures for quarantine pigs, and the herd in

general;• 16. Make regular use of vaccines, share the costs with other

owners ;• 17. Always consult the area State Veterinary Dept to find out

about prevailing regulations re movement, marketing, disease control measures – they are there to protect you;

• 18. Help is available from the Dept of Agriculture, the Vet Dept, SAPPO and pharmaceutical companies

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• Good luck with a successful and minimal disease project!!

• Any questions?