The definition of risk is: probability of exposure, consequences (harm) and uncertainty. Producers must carefully consider the risks associated with disease introduction, particularly as it relates to Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
“Our first instinct is to close the big holes first, and that’s what we’re doing with biosecurity,” says Dr. John T. Waddell, DVM with the Sutton Veterinary Clinic in Sutton, NE. “The big holes are the direct introduction of PRRS and the small holes are the indirect methods in which the disease is introduced.”
Direct introduction would generally be from live animals and semen, while indirect introduction would come from existing facilities, transportation, personnel, needles, insects and aerosol spread, explains Dr. Waddell.
“We’re seeing fewer and fewer cases of direct introduction, where boars, gilts or even semen are bringing in PRRS. But the indirect causes are still there,” he says. “Of course, location isolation is important and hygiene is very important.”
Indirect Routes
Transportation: Technology is improving on thermal-assisted drying and decontamination (TADD) systems. These systems use efficacious disinfectants and trucks are completely dry before being used. Producers are paying
closer attention to loading chutes and transfer stations also. Dr. Waddell knows of one farm that has two load-out areas – one for cull loads and one for select loads. “We urge producers to use signage, gates and perimeter fencing,” he says. Carcass disposal is important also: “Any method of carcass disposal is more desirable that allowing a rendering truck to come close to the premises,” notes Dr. Waddell.
Human Vectors: Many operations use shower-in, shower-out protocols. However Dr. Waddell points out that in Denmark, producers step over a board, wash their hands and put on their clothes and most of these farms have never had a PRRS break. Using clean coveralls and boots, washing hands with a strong antibacterial and providing a period of time between swine populations (overnight will do it, he says) are good sanitary procedures. “It’s not so much the act of taking a shower and blowing your nose as it is cleaning your hands and wearing clean clothing and footwear. And every farm needs to know the process on down time from one farm to another,” he says. “We are seeing more security cameras and other tools we can use to close the gaps. One more important reminder Dr. Waddell suggests: “Always view the ground as potentially contaminated.”
Insects, Birds and Rodents: Obviously you can’t eliminate all insects and pests from your operation, but proper precautions can minimize their impact. Screens will reduce avian vectors and the proper use of rodenticide will lower rodent issues.
Aerosol Spread: Dee, et. al. have collected virus 9.1 km from source, says Dr. Waddell, and there is strong circumstantial evidence for much further aerosol virus movement. Filtration systems have been shown to greatly reduce virus circulation, especially High Efficiency Particulate Absorbing (HEPA) filters.
Fomites: This includes tools, supplies, cartons, bags, repairs, etc. “Create and utilize a quarantine involving disinfection and drying of all incoming articles,” says Dr. Waddell.
Needles: New technologies are emerging, providing producers with better methods to minimize disease transfer from improper needle use.
The Production Animal Disease Risk Assessment Program (PADRAP, discussed in our July commentary) is providing demographic and historical information, as well as internal and external risk potential.
“With targeted resources, you can move those farms into the low-risk profile,” says Dr. Waddell. “This year, BIVI has 15 to 20 interns who are helping producers do risk assessment on their farms. As of February of this year, there were 1,981 completed assessments for breeding herds and 156 completed assessments for grow finish.
“Discipline, accountability, belief – you must have these three components for success,” he asserts. “There are no shortcuts! You’ve got to wear out some shoe leather, do some hard work, and close the holes.”
Editor’s Note: This commentary is sponsored by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. (BIVI). For more information, please visit: www.bi-vetmedica.com.
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