Pig farmers urged to step up defences against swine dysentery

She adds that as a highly economically damaging infection, it is imperative any suspected symptoms are reported as soon as possible. “Swine dysentery causes a rapid loss of condition in affected pigs, and eventually loss of stock. Clinical signs affecting growing and finishing pigs include bloody diarrhoea, but for outdoor breeding units, clinical signs may not be evident at all.”

 

She recommends that all producers tighten up on biosecurity measures. “The bacterium Brachyspira hyodysenteriae live in the large intestine and are passed out in dung. This is why it is so easily spread on boots, vehicles and implements as well as by rodents and birds, and why hygiene is so important.”

 

Meeting
In raising awareness of this issue BPEX is hosting a meeting on the subject that is open to all pig keepers and their veterinarians in the North Yorkshire region. “We will be welcoming leading vet David Burch of Octagon Services. He is highly experienced in the diagnosis and treatment of dysentery and guidance will be provided on how to control further spread of infection across the region.” There will also be a review of current diagnostic testing services.

 

The meeting will be held on 20 March at The Crown Hotel in Boroughbridge, North Yorkshire, YO51 9LB at 7pm, with refreshments available from 6.30pm. It is sponsored by Novartis Animal Health and the BPEX Pig Health Improvement Project (PHIP). Those wishing to attend should email pighealth@bpex.ahdb.org.uk or phone 0247 647 8877. A factsheet can also be requested via the same contact details.

 

· Affects growing & finishing pig     

· Symptoms of bloody diarrhoea and mucus

· Causes inflammation of large intestine

· Current strains showing resistance to medication

 

 

· 20 March

· The Crown Hotel, Boroughbridge

·  6.30 for 7pm

 

For more information contact Helen Clarke of BPEX on 0247 647 8877 or email Helen.clarke@bpex.ahdb.org.uk

Source: BPEX