Factors Affecting Fertility in Loosely Housed Sows and Gilts: Vulvar Discharge Syndrome, Environment and Acute-phase Proteins

The effect of vulvar discharge syndrome (VDS) on sow and gilt fertility was studied on 26 farms. Of 824 animals inspected in 21 randomly selected and five VDS problem farms, 19 (2.3%) were afflicted with VDS. Altogether 542/799 of the examined animals (67.8%) farrowed thereafter. Nine of the 19 VDS animals (47.4%) and 533/780 non-VDS animals (68.3%) farrowed at the first chance after the examination (p = 0.05). None of the unmated gilts in this study had VDS. Environmental and individual factors likely to be associated with fertility and VDS were tested. In multivariate analysis, factors associated with farrowing were VDS, reproductive status, availability of roughage and confinement to individual stalls. None of the variables tested was associated with VDS. However, all of the VDS problem farms were overcrowded and had concrete, partly slatted floors with little or no bedding. The median value of haptoglobin (Hp) was 2.5 (range 1.3-3.1) g/l in VDS animals and 2.3 (0.5-4.3) g/l in controls (p = 0.6). The median C-reactive protein (CRP) in VDS animals was 30.3 (3.3-171.3) mg/l and in controls 25.9 (3.3-361.1) mg/l (p = 0.7). In conclusion, VDS decreased fertility of gilts and sows in the absence of a systemic acute-phase response, as indicated by stable concentrations of Hp and CRP.     

A seroepidemiological survey of Leptospira bratislava infections in Danish sow herds

A total of 796 sows and gilts from 30 Danish sow herds were examined three times at intervals of 6 weeks for serum antibodies to Leptospira bratislava by the microscopic agglutination technique (MAT) test. The prevalence of seroreactors with positive titer values, 1:100, at the three successive tests were 2.7%, 2.5% and 2.9%; 4.5% of the animals were positive in at least one of the three tests, and 2.2% showed a greater than two-fold rise in titer between two consecutive samplings. Of the 30 herds, 21 (70%) had ever-positive within-herd prevalences in sows and gilts of 4–13%. The risk of a herd having one or more positive sow was positively associated with a herd size of > 141 sows, and distinct regional differences in the prevalence of positive herds were observed. The reproductive performance of the 21 herds with seroreactions was poorer than the performance of the nine herds without positive reactions concerning the variables: ‘days from weaning to last service’ (2.7 days more, P = 0.07), ‘percentage of sows returning to heat’ (4.0 percentage units more, P = 0.03), ‘services per farrowing’ (0.04 more, P = 0.04), ‘farrowing percentage’ (4.3 percentage units lower, P = 0.06), and ‘stillborn pigs per farrowing’ (0.16 more, P = 0.02). No association between the MAT serological status of the herd and the incidence of medical treatments of sows and gilts could be found. A high prevalence and low cumulative incidence of seroreactors was demonstrated in first-parity gilts, followed by a low prevalence and cumulative incidence from parity 2 to 3, and a high prevalence and cumulative incidence at the fifth parity.     

Prevalence of clinical endometritis and its impact on reproductive performance in grazing dairy cattle in Argentina

The objective of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of clinical endometritis and its impact on reproductive performance in grazing dairy cattle in Argentina to compare data with previous reports from herds kept in confinement housing systems. A total of 243 Holstein dairy cows from three commercial dairy farms in Buenos Aires Province (Argentina) were examined for the signs of clinical endometritis 18-38 days postpartum (dpp) by external inspection and manual vaginal examination. Vaginal discharge was scored into the categories VDS 0 (transparent, clear mucus), VDS 1 (mucupurulent discharge), VDS 2 (purulent discharge) and VDS 3 (purulent discharge with fetid odour). Cows diagnosed with VDS 1 to VDS 3 were regarded as affected with clinical endometritis and cows with VDS 0 as free of clinical endometritis. All cows were re-examined 14 days later following the same examination protocol. Prevalence of clinical endometritis 18-38 dpp was 35% and decreased to 18% at re-examination. Cows with no palpable ovarian structures or periparturient disorders were at higher risk for clinical endometritis. Hazard for pregnancy was significantly lower in cows with purulent or fetid odour discharge compared with reference cows with no discharge (HR=0.49; p=0.01), resulting in a lower proportion of cows pregnant by 360 dpp (66% vs 78%). Furthermore, the number of services per pregnancy was higher for cows with clinical endometritis than for cows without clinical endometritis (4.4 vs 3.1; p=0.04). Cows with clinical endometritis were 1.6 times as likely to be culled as cows with no signs of clinical endometritis. In conclusion, the prevalence and the impact of clinical endometritis in a pasture-based, extensive dairy production system in Argentina were similar to previously published data from dairy farms with confinement production systems.     

Presence of porcine parvovirus in sera from pigs is independent of antibody titers

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a widespread DNA virus that causes reproductive failure in swine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of PPV in sera of nursery piglets (healthy n = 191 and wasting n = 132) and regularly vaccinated sows (with different parity rank [PR] n = 129), collected from different herds. Altogether, 452 animals were sampled in 27 herds owned by five companies. All sera were analyzed for the presence of PPV DNA by nested-PCR. The samples from sows were in addition tested for the presence of antibodies by Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI). PPV DNA was detected in healthy piglets (15.7%), wasting piglets (18.2%) and sows (17.8%). 25 herds had at least one positive sample and four companies had positive animals. The serology revealed that 84.7% of the sows had detectable antibodies and the fourth PR sows had the highest mean PPV antibody titers. Thirteen sows (19.1%) were found to be positive for DNA detection in the presence of high levels of antibody titers (> 512). This finding indicates that PPV DNA can be detected in different swine production categories irrespective of antibody titers.     

Association between endometritis and urocystitis in culled sows

Slaughterhouse sampling and examination of urogenital tracts of 499 sows and gilts culled for reproductive reasons from 21 Hungarian herds were performed over a 6-year period. The aim was to estimate the prevalence of different urogenital tract lesions, and to provide sensitivity and specificity estimates for macroscopic and bacteriological examinations in the diagnosis of urocystitis and endometritis. Furthermore, the association between endometritis and urocystitis was assessed. The prevalence of main lesions of the urogenital tract was similar to that reported in other studies. The 'sensitivity' of macroscopic and bacteriological methods was determined statistically by taking histopathology as the 'Gold Standard'. As a result, the 'sensitivity' of macroscopic methods for the diagnosis of endometritis and urocystitis was < or = 18.1% and 47.9%, respectively, while the 'sensitivity' of bacteriology for the diagnosis of the same conditions was < or = 31.8% and 63.0%, respectively. The presumed positive association between urocystitis and endometritis was confirmed; it was not confounded by parity. Animals affected by urocystitis had a 3.5 times higher odds to simultaneously have endometritis than animals without urocystitis.     

Prevalence and risk factor analysis of livestock associated MRSA-positive pig herds in The Netherlands

In 2005, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was found in pig herds and in humans in contact with pigs. To determine the prevalence of, this now-called livestock-associated (LA) MRSA among pig herds in The Netherlands and to identify and quantify risk factors, an observational study of 202 pig herds was performed between 2007 and 2008. Five environmental wipes and 60 nasal swabs from each herd were collected, and microbiological analysis was performed on single environmental samples and pooled nasal samples. A herd was considered MRSA-positive if ≥1 sample tested positive. The prevalence of MRSA-positive herds was 67% in breeding herds and 71% in finishing herds. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was then performed on data from 171 breeding herds. The number of MRSA-positive herds increased from ～30% at the start to ～75% at the end of the study, most likely due to transmission between herds. The prevalence of MRSA increased with herd size, as ～40% of smaller herds (<250 sows) were MRSA-positive compared to >80% of larger herds (>500 sows). Other risk factors (e.g. antimicrobial use, purchase of gilts and hygiene measures) were not significantly associated with MRSA, though associated with herd size. Herd size appeared to be a compilation of several factors, which made larger herds more often MRSA positive.     

Prevalence of Chlamydia infections in breeding sows and their importance in reproductive failure

To investigate the prevalence of chlamydial infection and their significance for reproductive disorders in sow breeding herds in Germany, blood samples of 1493 pigs were taken for a serological survey by enzyme-linked-immunosorbent-assay (ELISA). Antibodies to Chlamydiae were found in 33% of the samples, in all herds investigated responders could be detected. The rate of seropositive animals in different farms varied from 4.3% to 72.7%. The percentage of positive responders in the farms correlated positively with the occurrence of MMA-syndrome (mastitis, metritis, agalactia), return to oestrus and diseases of the piglets. Also these herds showed less weaned piglets per sow and litter. Comparison of seronegative and seropositive sows within single farms revealed also worse reproductive data for seropositive sows. A significant relationship could be found between farms with a high quota of sero-positive sows and poor hygiene status as well as poultry keeping. As a second step 124 cervical swabs and 9 aborted piglets were investigated for chlamydial antigen by capture-ELISA and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Using the capture-ELISA for investigation only 3 probes with chlamydial antigen could be detected, however, examination by the more sensible PCR gave positive results in 50% of the probes. 20% of the PCR-positive animals were clinically healthy sows, 80% of the PCR-positive probes originated from sows with reproductive disorders. A significant relationship could be shown between PCR-positive probes and the incidence of abortion and litters with stillborn piglets and piglets with low viability. Swabs from 93 of the 124 sows were investigated as well for other bacterial pathogens of reproductive disorders. A high degree of micro-organisms of different species could be detected in 70% of the samples of sows with reproductive disorders and in 35% of the samples of clinically healthy sows. Species differentiation of the chlamydial antigen positive samples was done by southern blot hybridisation. Herewith C. psittaci could be diagnosed in all positive samples. Additionally 8 probes revealed a mixed infection with C. psittaci and C. trachomatis. The results of the present study show, that the prevalence of chlamydial infections in breeding herds is high and underline the importance of chlamydial infections for reproductive disorders. Single chlamydial infections as well as mixed infections with other pathogens must be considered.     

Prevalence of and risk factors for influenza in southern Ontario swine herds in 2001 and 2003

This research included 2 prevalence studies and a risk-factor investigation conducted in 2001 at 93 sites with sows only, finishers only, or both. In 2001, 1300 serum samples from sows in 65 herds and 720 serum samples from finisher pigs in 72 herds were tested for antibodies to swine influenzavirus (SIV) of H1N1 subtype with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In 2003, 1140 serum samples from sows in 76 herds were tested for antibodies to SIV of H3N2 subtype with a hemagglutination-inhibition assay based on A/Swine/Colorado/1/77 and A/Swine/Texas/4199-2/98 isolates. The apparent pig-level H1N1 seroprevalence in 2001 was 61.1% and 24.3% in sows and finishers, respectively. The apparent pig-level seroprevalence in 2003 for H3N2 A/Sw/CO/1/77 and A/Sw/TX/4199-2/98 in sows was 0.6% and 0.7%, respectively. The factors associated with sow-herd H1N1 positivity included pig or farm density at different geographic levels, an external source of breeding pigs, number of animals on site, and decreasing proximity to other barns. Higher-parity sows had higher odds of seropositivity, but there was significant random variability in this association among herds. The odds of finisher-herd SIV positivity were higher with large herd size, high pig farm density, and farrow-to-finish type of farm. Finisher herds were SIV-positive only if source sow herds were positive. Simultaneously, 45% of finisher herds were SIV-negative although sow source herds were positive.     

猪场母猪与仔猪猪圆环病毒2型感染情况调查

为了解目前母猪和仔猪猪圆环病毒2型(PCV2)感染情况,本试验对来自于15个猪场的85份母猪血清和29个猪场的55份仔猪可疑病料(脾脏、淋巴结、肾脏等),分别采用间接ELISA和PCR法进行PCV2抗体和病毒核酸检测。结果显示,在15个猪场中,1个猪场母猪抗体呈阴性,其他14个猪场母猪抗体均呈阳性,猪场PCV2阳性检出场为93.3%(14/15),85份母猪血清抗体总阳性率为75.3%(64/85)。29个猪场的仔猪,PCV2核酸检测阳性猪场为19个,猪场阳性率为65.5%(19/29),55份仔猪可疑病料病毒核酸检测总阳性率61.8%(34/55)。可见,母猪和仔猪感染PCV2相当普遍。对母猪群PCV2抗体阳性率及其仔猪群病毒核酸阳性率进行比较发现,母猪群PCV2抗体阳性率越高其仔猪群病毒核酸阳性率却越低。     

Split-weaning before altrenogest synchronization of multiparous sows alters follicular development and reduces embryo survival

This study used split-weaning (SW) to induce differences in follicle size at weaning and study its consequences for follicle development during and after post-weaning altrenogest feeding and for reproductive performance. Multiparous sows (n=47) were assigned to SW (n=23; litter size reduced to the six smallest piglets 3 days before weaning) or control (C; n=24; normal weaning). Altrenogest (20 mg/day) was fed to all 47 sows from Day -1 till Day 5 (complete weaning = Day 0). Follicle size on Day 1, 2 and 8 was smaller in C than in SW (p ≤ 0.05). Ovulation rate was similar, but C sows had higher embryo survival rate (ESR) than SW sows (83 ± 19 and 58 ± 31%, respectively; p=0.001). SW sows with low ESR (<63%; n=10) had a greater follicle size on days 3-6 than SW sows with high ESR (>63%; n=10; p ≤ 0.04). A decrease in follicle size between Day 5 and 6 of altrenogest feeding was associated with increased ESR in both treatments (p=0.002). Follicle pool analyses (assessment of all follicles >2 mm) revealed that on Day 3, sows with low ESR had a higher % of follicles >5 mm compared with sows with high ESR (30% vs 10%; p=0.04). Thus, sows in which follicle growth was less suppressed during altrenogest feeding had a lower ESR. These effects on follicle development and ESR were more pronounced in split-weaned sows.     

Estimation of Neospora caninum seroprevalence in dairy cattle from Normandy, France.

An epidemiological study was conducted in Orne (France) on randomly selected dairy herds (42 herds including 1,924 cows and heifers, which were at least 15 months old). The aim was primarily to estimate the seroprevalence of Neospora caninum infection from two blood samples per cow, using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for N. caninum (one positive result indicating infection). The second aim was to test the association between some individual and herd factors and N. caninum seropositivity with a logistic model including a random term effect. The prevalence was estimated at 5.6% (107 seropositive animals). At least 27 of the 42 herds had one seropositive cow or heifer. The intra-herd seroprevalence varied from 1.1 to 8% for 18 positive herds (66.7%). Dogs were present in 36 farms and 104 of the 107 seropositive animals were exposed to them. The factors associated with individual seropositivity were the presence of cats (OR = 0.17; P < 0.001), dogs (OR = 4.35; P = 0.02), rabbits and/or ducks (OR = 2.10; P = 0.04), long calving periods (12 months) (OR = 0.44; P = 0.007), tethered housing (OR = 2.50; P = 0.01), somatic cell counts (200-400 x 10(3) cells/mL) (OR = 0.24; P < 0.001) and pond water supply (OR = 2.43; P = 0.04). In conclusion, the animal and intra-herd seroprevalences were low in dairy cows from Normandy, France.     

The Effect of Intravaginal Applied GnRH-agonist on the Time of Ovulation and Subsequent Reproductive Performance of Weaned Multiparous Sows

In order to prove the effect of 'fixed time insemination' and insemination at standing oestrus after post-weaning application of GnRH, in a Croatian large breeding unit, 502 sows were assigned to three groups and were artificially inseminated (AI) at their first post-weaning oestrus as many times as they stand, in 24-h intervals. The groups were treated as follows: group 1 (control, n = 160) were AI during their standing reflex; group 2 ['GnRH-fixed time insemination' (GnRH-FT-AI), n = 175] were AI, independent of detection of oestrus and following administration of GnRH-agonist at 96 h post-weaning; group 3 [GnRH insemination at standing oestrus (GnRH-OE-AI), n = 167] the animals were GnRH-agonist treated as group 2 and were AI at their standing reflex. Pre-trial daily average lactational feed intake, average daily feed intake from weaning to oestrus, oestrus within 6 days post-weaning (%), ovulation within 6 days post-weaning (%), weaning-to-oestrus interval (h), duration of oestrus (h), follicle size (mm), interval from oestrus to ovulation (h), subsequent day 24 pregnancy rate (%), farrowing rate (%) and total pigs born were evaluated. Pre-trial average daily lactational voluntary feed intake was 7.1 +/- 0.08 kg in group 1, 7.0 +/- 0.07 kg in group 2 and 7.1 +/- 0.17 kg in group 3 (p > 0.05). Average voluntary daily feed intake from weaning to oestrus was 5.1 +/- 0.3 kg in group 1, 5.2 +/- 0.5 kg in group 2 and 5.2 +/- 0.19 kg in group 3 (p > 0.05). Oestrus was detected within 6 days post-weaning in 134 (83.8%) in control, 164 (93.7%) in GnRH-FT-AI and 155 (92.8%) animals in GnRH-OE-AI groups (p = 0.05). Follicle size did not differ (p > 0.05) among the groups. In control 82.8%, in GnRH-FT-AI 91.5% and in GnRH-OE-AI 91.0% of the sows ovulated within 6 days post-weaning (p = 0.04), and had 80.6, 90.9 and 89.7% 24-day pregnancy rates (p = 0.16), respectively. In GnRH-FT-AI group 90.2%, in GnRH-OE-AI sows 89.7%, in control animals 79.9% farrowing rates were recorded (p = 0.17). Weaning to oestrus interval was 113.1 h in control, 114.1 h in GnRH-FT-AI and 112.6 h GnRH-OE-AI (p > 0.05). Duration of oestrus was significantly shorter in GnRH-FT-AI (44.9 h) and GnRH-OE-AI (48.1 h) animals, compared with the control (62.9 h) sows (p = 0.001). Similarly, the interval from oestrus to ovulation revealed significant (p = 0.004) differences between the groups (control 44.1 h, GnRH-OE-AI 34.1 h and GnRH-FT-AI 32.9 h). GnRH-FT-AI (12.5) and GnRH-OE-AI (12.6) sows had significantly higher (p = 0.01) number of total pigs born (n = 10.4) compared with control sows. GnRH-agonist-gel treatment to the sow shortens duration of oestrus, the interval from oestrus to ovulation, and may eliminate the need for oestrus detection in the hands of skilled personnel.     

Clinical signs and their association with herd demographics and porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) control strategies in PRRS PCR-positive swine herds in Ontario

The purposes of this study were to describe the clinical signs observed in PRRS positive herds during a porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) outbreak in Ontario and to determine associations between these clinical signs and herd demographics and PRRS control strategies. All PRRS polymerase chain reaction-(PCR)-positive submissions to a diagnostic laboratory between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2007 were identified (n = 1864). After meeting eligibility requirements and agreeing to voluntary study participation, producers from 455 of these submissions were surveyed for information on clinical signs observed in their herds, herd demographics, and PRRS control strategies used in their herds at the time that the PCR-positive samples were taken. Larger herd size was associated with an increased risk of reporting abortion, weakborn piglets, off-feed sows, and sow mortality in sow herds, and with an increased risk of reporting mortality in finishing herds. When disease control strategies were examined, use of a commercial PRRS vaccine in sows and gilts was associated with a decreased risk of reporting weakborn pigs and high pre-weaning mortality, while the use of serum inoculation in breeding animals was associated with an increased risk of reporting off-feed sows and sow mortality. Providing biofeedback of stillborn/mummified piglets, placenta or feces to gilts was associated with an increased risk of reporting respiratory disease and mortality in finishing pigs while all-in/all-out flow in farrowing rooms was associated with an increased risk of reporting sow mortality and weakborn piglets.     

Use of postpartum vaginoscopic (visual vaginal) examination of dairy cows for the diagnosis of endometritis and the association of endrometritis with reduced reproductive performance

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association between the findings from vaginoscopic examination of postpartum dairy cows with peripartum reproductive disease and their subsequent reproductive performance, and to determine the factors that might be associated with a positive vaginoscopic examination (VV). METHODS: Cows (n=1325) from 17 seasonal calving dairy herds were enrolled if they had been calved at least 7 days and had at least one of the following conditions that placed them at risk of endometritis: retained fetal membranes (RFM), dystocia, a dead calf, hypocalcaemia, twin birth, calving induction or an observed vulval discharge (VD). Examination was undertaken 28-37 days before mating start date (MSD) within each herd. All cows were body condition scored (BCS) and were VV scored on a scale of 0 (clear) to 3 (purulent). The uterus and ovaries were assessed by rectal palpation. RESULTS: Cows with a positive VV score (1-3) were less likely to conceive to first service and had a lower pregnancy proportion than cows that had a negative VV score (score 0). Mean MSD to conception interval was longer in VV-positive cows. A positive VV score was associated with a low BCS, primiparity, intrapelvic uterus, poor uterine tone, large uterus, RFM, VD, dystocia, dead calf and twins. CONCLUSION: In the present study a positive VV score was associated with reduced reproductive performance and was more common in primiparous and low BCS cows. Of the at-risk cows, those with RFM, VD, dystocia, dead calf or twins were more likely to have a positive VV score.     

High Porcine Parvovirus Antibodies in Sow Herds: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is widespread among swine. Our objective was to determine the prevalence of loosely housed sow herds in Finland with at least one animal with high (infection level) PPV antibodies and to gather basic knowledge about vaccination practices. In addition, selected factors associated with high antibody levels found in sows were examined. Altogether, 247 animals were sampled in 21 randomly chosen loosely housed sow herds. Samples were analysed with the haemagglutination inhibition (HI) test. PPV proved to be common; in 17 farms (81%) at least one animal had a high titre (>1 : 512), and 44% of all animals sampled had a high titre. The vaccination programmes had many shortcomings. In the generalised estimation equations (GEE) population-averaged model developed, the factors found to have a significant (p < or = 0.05) effect on HI titres were herd size, parity of two or greater and storage of the vaccine vial after use. Non-returning rate, re-breeding interval and litter size did not differ between herds with no high HI titres (n = 4) and those with at least one high HI titre (n = 17).     

The pattern of endemic parvovirus infection in four pig herds

Serological surveys were conducted on the gilts and adult sows in 4 herds endemically infected with porcine parvovirus. The study assessed the influence of the type of management of breeders on the spread of virus infection and the influence of endemic parvovirus infection on reproductive parameters of the herd. The practice of holding gilts and sows in groups did not reliably promote infection or maintain a 100% level of active immunity amongst adult sows in 2 of 3 group husbandry herds. In the 4 herds, the prevalence of adult sows (greater than 12 months) with active immune haemagglutination inhibition titres (greater than or equal to 256) ranged between 44% and 100%, while between 0% and 100% of gilts (6 to 12 months of age) had active immune titres. Fully susceptible gilts older than 9 months of age held in groups, failed to become infected by 12 months of age on farms endemically infected with PPV. In 2 herds a continued low infection rate of gilts resulted in increasing the potential of breeding animals becoming susceptible to parvovirus infection as infected sows were replaced by noninfected gilts. In both herds, epidemics of parvovirus infection followed, which were characterised by an increase in reproductive failure. Parvovirus infection during the first 70 days of pregnancy reduced the average number of piglets born alive per litter by 1.6 piglets (p less than 0.05). This was due to the combined effect of more piglets being born dead per litter and an overall reduction in litter size.     

Enzootic pneumonia of pigs in South Australia — factors relating to incidence of disease

Environmental and management conditions of 15 herds with a high-prevalence (greater than 70%) of enzootic pneumonia of pigs at slaughter were compared with 16 herds with a low-prevalence (less than 30%) to determine factors commonly predisposing pigs to enzootic pneumonia in South Australia. Comparisons were made of herds having greater than 100 sows (fully intensive units) and also small herds having 20 to 70 sows (sideline units). Half the herds were visited in summer and half in winter to detect seasonal factors. In small herds, factors commonly found associated with a high prevalence of enzootic pneumonia were larger numbers of pigs per shed section (p less than 0.001), larger group sizes (p less than 0.01) and draughty farrowing and weaner accommodation (p less than 0.01). In large herds, factors associated with a high prevalence were higher pen stocking rate (p less than 0.05) and airspace stocking rate (p greater than 0.05), and a trend toward higher atmospheric ammonia levels in summer (p less than 0.1).     

Results of the German investigation on the EU project "Salmonella in Pork (Salinpork)"--1. Investigations in the farms

Reports of human salmonellosis caused by the consumption of pork and the introduction of control and surveillance programmes in different countries of the European Union were the reason for carrying out an international study under the title "Salmonella in Pork (Salinpork)": Six different EU-countries were involved in this study, which was supported by the Commission of the European Community and which was carried out over a period of April 1996 to April 1999. The aim of the investigation presented was to determine the prevalence of Salmonella in fattening, breeding and farrow-to-feeder herds as well as the determination of risk factors for the introduction of Salmonella into the farm (Part 1). In addition, sources of contamination of pork should be detected by taking samples of the product and the environment in the slaughterhouse (Part 2). In Germany, the investigation into Salmonella infections of 60 fattening, 20 breeding and 20 farrow-to-feeder herds were carried out in Schleswig-Holstein. The investigation included bacteriological examinations of feed and faecal samples for sero- and phagetyping and serological examinations by using the Danish Mix-ELISA. From 2,947 serological investigated fattening pigs were 7.3% (n = 213) positive, from 797 breeding sows 9.2% (n = 73) were serological positive and 4.5% (n = 18) of the investigated sows (N = 399) in farrow-to-feeder herds were serological positive. Altogether, 28.3% of the fattening, 50.0% of the breeding and 15.0% of the farrow-to-feeder herds were serological positive. A questionnaire was used to capture data about management, hygiene measures, feeding systems and the occurrence of diseases in the herd. After statistical analysis the common risk factor of fattening herds and sow herds was the use of pelleted feed. But in a control study with 17 different fattening herds the result could not be proven. Other factors which can influence the occurrence of Salmonella infections were discussed.     

Salmonella in sows: a longitudinal study in farrow-to-finish pig herds

Besides finishing pigs, sows are also believed to be important in the epidemiology of Salmonella. The study objective was to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella excretion in sows during an entire reproductive cycle. In 3 farrow-to-finish herds, groups of 34, 40 and 32 sows, respectively, were sampled serially. Faecal samples, environmental swabs and feed samples were taken and submitted to a qualitative Salmonella isolation. All isolates were characterised using RAPD and a representative number of isolates was serotyped. The prevalence of Salmonella excretion was < 10% during gestation, around farrowing and during lactation, but a significant increase in the number of Salmonella excreting sows was found in herds A (p < 0.01) and C (p = 0.02) after weaning. S. Infantis was the most prevalent serotype in herd A, S. Derby in herds B and C. Except for the S. Infantis group in herd A, all isolates within each group of the RAPD analysis belonged to the same serotype. Three sows in herd A and 1 sow in herd C shed different serotypes at different time points. The present results indicate that sows can maintain Salmonella infections in farrow-to-finish herds and that culled sows, leaving the herd after weaning, may constitute a substantial risk for contamination of their carcasses with Salmonella.     

Herd and sow-related risk factors for mortality in sows in group-housed systems

Mortality of sows is a major problem for pig production worldwide. In this study, we used hierarchical multivariable logistic analyses to investigate different risk factors for mortality at the sow and herd level in herds with group-housed pregnant sows. Data included 3652 pregnant and 1266 lactating sows from 34 sow herds. A clinical examination for 16 clinical signs was carried out for each sow, and information about 16 herd related factors was obtained by interviews. Farm records were used to obtain information about whether or not sows died suddenly or were euthanized within 3 months after the clinical examination. Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the gestation unit were solid pen floors (OR = 1.87), presence of vulva bites (OR = 1.73) and unwillingness to stand when approached (OR = 1.62). Factors increasing the risk of sow mortality in the lactation unit were pale vulva color (OR = 12.69), body leanness (OR = 4.11), and presence of shoulder ulcers (OR = 2.89). The estimated between herd variation was small. Thus, the findings for the sow level variables may be generally applicable for sows in herds with group housed systems.