Pseudorabies Enforces Need For Biosecurity Practices
US - Tests at the U.S. Department of Agriculture laboratory in Ames, Iowa, confirmed that the disease found in a Clark County swine herd is pseudorabies.
27 April 2007
3 minute read
"This reinforces the importance of premises registration," said Patrick Webb, director of swine health programs for the Pork Checkoff. "Having a premises ID will allow state officials to quickly identify the producers in the effected area that need to be contacted to let them know about a highly contagious regulatory disease."
"There are many simple things you can do to protect your herd's health," says Webb, who offers the following suggestions:
For more information on Pseudorabies, click here.
Biosecurity efforts
All pork producers are reminded to practice sound biosecurity measures."There are many simple things you can do to protect your herd's health," says Webb, who offers the following suggestions:
- Conduct a biosecurity audit. Work with your veterinarian to assess your current situation and pinpoint biosecurity issues that need to be addressed.
- Use proper signage at your farm. Identify disease control areas so visitors know which areas are off-limits to them. You can also designate a visitor area, as well as specific areas for visitor parking. "Make sure these areas are away from parts of the farm where swine are housed and manure is contained," Webb says.
- Use a visitor log book consistently. Have visitors sign the log and include their name, full contact information, arrival and departure times, and purpose of visit. Make sure regular service providers, including veterinarians and feed truck drivers, sign the log. "This information is critical if there's a swine disease outbreak and traceback is required," Webb says.
- Limit the sharing of equipment to limit the spread of disease. This includes trailers, skid loaders and manure spreading equipment.
- Require employees and visitors to wear clean coveralls and boots. To ensure proper biosecurity, consider supplying coveralls and boots in small, medium and large sizes. Also make sure clean coveralls and boots are worn each time employees and visitors move to a different premises.
For more information on Pseudorabies, click here.
