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Abstract: Shortening Duration of Swine Exhibitions to Reduce Risk for Zoonotic Transmission of Influenza A Virus

Abstract: Shortening Duration of Swine Exhibitions to Reduce Risk for Zoonotic Transmission of Influenza A Virus

Reducing zoonotic influenza A virus (IAV) risk in the United States necessitates mitigation of IAV in exhibition swine. We evaluated the effectiveness of shortening swine exhibitions to <72 hours to reduce IAV risk. We longitudinally sampled every pig daily for the full duration of 16 county fairs during 2014-2015 (39,768 nasal wipes from 6,768 pigs). In addition, we estimated IAV prevalence at 195 fairs during 2018-2019 to test the hypothesis that <72-hour swine exhibitions would have lower IAV prevalence. In both studies, we found that shortening duration drastically reduces IAV prevalence in exhibition swine at county fairs. Reduction of viral load in the barn within a county fair is critical to reduce the risk for interspecies IAV transmission and pandemic potential. Therefore, we encourage fair organizers to shorten swine shows to protect the health of both animals and humans.

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Genetic Resistance to Post-Weaning Diarrhea - Dr. Vahab Farzan

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In this episode of The Swine it Podcast Show, Dr. Vahab Farzan from the University of Guelph explains why post-weaning diarrhea remains a major challenge for swine production. He discusses genetics, gut microorganisms, immunity, diagnostics, and targeted vaccination strategies to improve disease prevention. Listen now on all major platforms!

“Some pigs are genetically resistant to pathogenic E. coli because they lack the specific receptors required for bacterial attachment.”

Meet the guest: Dr. Vahab Farzan / vahab-farzan-b076445 is a Research Scientist, Adjunct Professor, and Associated Graduate Faculty at the University of Guelph. With a DVM, MSc, and PhD, Dr. Farzan's research focuses on infectious diseases in swine, including bacterial pathogens, gut microorganisms, epidemiology, and strategies to improve animal health. Learn more from Dr. Vahab Farzan on The Swine it Podcast Show, available on all major platforms.