PRRS Detection Higher than State-Specific Baseline Levels in Three States

Aug 22, 2022

The Swine Health Information Center reports, with the exception of three states, the number of cases of PRRS is where it would be expected to be during the warm weather.The Swine Health Information Center's monthly domestic swine disease surveillance report, released as part of its August enewsletter, indicates the number of cases of PRRS that came into the diagnostic labs in July was about the same as in June however numbers in three states remain above state-specific baseline levels.SHIC Executive Director Dr. Paul Sundberg says PRRS can be aerosolised and spread or it can be tracked from one farm to another.

Clip-Dr. Paul Sundberg-Swine Health Information Center:

Nebraska, Missouri and Indiana have had significant outbreaks of PRRS and the Missouri and Nebraska data show that those outbreaks are primarily the 144 Line 1C variant that has been causing some infection.That's been a troubling one to take off of some farms.It seems to be more persistent on some farms and it gives some more severe clinical outcomes than some others.

I think the issue with PRRS is that, while we have overall a summer incidence that would be within the bounds, it's always a very important issue no matter where you are as a producer to have communication with those around you and to understand what's happening locally and to communicate with other producers and other veterinarians around you because that will help to inform you of what's happening locally and help the producers to be better prepared to prevent an infection on their farms.

Dr. Sundberg says those regional outbreaks in Nebraska, Missouri and Indiana, should be concerning for all areas of the country.
He says we need do everything possible to decrease the regional infection because doing so will help keep down the spikes that can be expected once the barns get closed up during the cold weather.

Source : Farmscape

Video: You Be The Judge: Evaluating 8 Breeding Rams!

It's time for some honest feedback here at Ewetopia Farms! Today, we’re showing you all eight rams we used for breeding this year. Instead of just presenting them, we thought it would be fun to create a “Ram Report Card” — where we point out both their strengths and areas for improvement.

But here’s the twist: you be the judge! In the comments, let us know what you like about each ram and what you think could be improved. No ram is ever perfect, but every one of them brings something valuable to the flock. By sharing perspectives, we all learn more about what to look for in good breeding stock.

At Ewetopia Farms, we raise registered Suffolk and Polled Dorset sheep, focusing on high-quality genetics, structure, and friendly temperaments. Evaluating breeding rams is part of the bigger picture of building stronger flocks — and we’re excited to share the process with you.

If you enjoy seeing how we evaluate our animals, follow along by subscribing to our channel. We share daily insights into the joys and challenges of sheep farming here in Canada.