http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity RSS Feed for Biosecurity en-us Thu, 06 Dec 2012 21:36:01 GMT http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/PRRS-research-focuses-on-swine-genome.html Swine genomic markers, phenotypes, chromosomes and genotyping are playing an increasingly important role in the latest efforts against porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. The science of genetics will play a vital role in the development of PRRS-resistant pigs and eventual elimination of the disease. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/6-steps-for-a-PRDC-checkup--179380011.html For both humans and animals the transition period from fall to winter can raise some health issues as buildings are closed up and ventilation, heating and air-quality systems are tested. For pigs, this means that porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) can become more of a challenge. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/What-you-need-to-know-about-influenza-177914121.html Jennifer Koeman, National Pork Board’s director of producer and public health, offers tips to protect people and pigs as influenza season gets underway. She also explains virus strains and how they get their names. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/Dissecting-PRRS-seasonality--176647711.html The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus has been challenging pork producers and veterinarians for nearly three decades. Two University of Minnesota veterinary researchers are working to determine whether PRRS season is a real or imagined phenomenon. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/NPB-reminds-producers-and-workers-to-get-flu-vaccination--172283991.html With flu season again upon us, the National Pork Board’s pork checkoff reminds pork producers, farm personnel and others who have contact with pigs to get their seasonal flu vaccination as soon as possible to help protect human and pig health. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/NAHMS-Swine-2012-Study-enters-phase-II-169339736.html USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) has completed phase I of the National Animal Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) focused on swine. It is now entering phase II, and organizers need pork producers’ help. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/Take-steps-now-to-reduce-influenza-risk-169338656.html With human cases of H3N2 influenza virus, reportedly contracted from pigs at fairs this summer, pork producers are turning their attention to prevention measures among employees and in their herds. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/H3N2-raises-watchful-eye-not-red-flags-165168516.html With many county and state fairs underway, human and animal health officials are closely monitoring the prospects of H3N2 influenza virus exposure between swine and humans. As of the Aug. 3, 29 people had been identified with the virus since July 2011. Twenty-three individuals reported contact with swine prior to the onset of illness, 19 cases were associated with fairs. http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/NBAF-Weighing-the-options-162641326.html We need the National Bio- and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF), but given the need to cut government spending, should we consider less-comprehensive but less-costly options? That is the focus of a report the National Academies of Science (NAS) released last week titled “Meeting Critical Laboratory Needs For Animal Agriculture: Examination of Three Options.” http://www.porknetwork.com/pork-resources/herd-health/biosecurity/Researcher-optimistic-on-battle-against-PRRS-161226275.html While porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is still costing the U.S. pork industry about $1.8 million per day, there are reasons to be optimistic about the future, says Derald Holtkamp, DVM, Iowa State University. He cites regional PRRS virus elimination programs and herd closure and rollover methodology as positive steps in eliminating the virus.