CSHIN Quarterly Swine Specialist Panel Veterinarian and Producer Reports for Q4 – 2014

Mar 25, 2015

INFLUENZA A:
Swine influenza appears to be a growing problem right across North America. Ten out of 24 western Canadian, 11 of 15 Quebec, and 5 of 14 Ontario veterinarians reported increases, more than the same period a year ago. The pandemic strain, pH1N1, has occurred in several barns with unvaccinated barn workers or visitors being the source of infection. The increase in cases occurs in conjunction with human H1N1 influenza in December and March.

The H3N2 subtype of swine influenza varies across Canada with Alberta and Saskatchewan having very similar strains but different from Manitoba (theirs is similar to Quebec’s) and Ontario. Autogenous vaccines have been effective but are only licensed for individual farms. There are efforts under way to be able to make regional vaccines available.

Although the effects of influenza vary a lot (some cases result in very mild nursery coughing), the veterinarian’s experiences have linked influenza with increases in Strep. suis meningitis, Glässer’s disease, postweaning diarrhea and other secondary infections. An extra effort to control swine influenza in barns with these bacterial diseases is warranted. More research on control of the flu and easier licensing of vaccines for the rapidly changing virus is expected

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Source: Manitoba Pork

Video: Shearing Delay Leads To Kingston 4H Sheep Show!

What started as a disappointment turned into a day full of surprises, fun, and celebration as we leave Ewetopia Farms behind and head out to the Kingston Fair to watch the 4H sheep show

Today’s vlog was supposed to be another sheep shearing day here at Ewetopia Farms, but when our shearer had to cancel, we suddenly found ourselves with an unexpected free day. Lucky for us, the Kingston Fair was happening — and some of our own sheep (and friends) were competing!

We brought along our shearing helper and headed to the fairgrounds to cheer on the 4H kids and see how our sheep did in the show. From last-minute preparations and sheep showmanship to market lamb competitions and ewe classes, we take you behind the scenes of what it’s really like at a country fair.

We couldn’t be prouder — our girls walked away with wins in both showmanship and breeding ewe classes! Afterwards, we toured the fair, met a beekeeper with fascinating insights, admired other livestock shows, and wrapped up the evening with motocross stunts and a demolition derby!

Sometimes farm life throws curveballs — but today, it gave us the chance to celebrate community, our sheep, and the next generation of shepherds.