From the American Association of Swine Veterinarian Annual Meeting & Iowa Pork Congress

Our interviews with industry experts on various swine health and biosecurity topics

Here's how we move things forward

Stranger than fiction: PRRS in a remote farm

With increasing porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus pressure in Nebraska, The Maschhoffs knew their naïve sow herd was at high risk for exposure. However, when the late 2021 and early 2022 sow breaks occurred within their Nebraska system, there were no obvious ‘smoking guns.’ Corrine Fruge, The Maschhoffs, joins us to discuss the investigation as well as risks from the area, weather, animal movements and supply entry.

The time is now to eliminate PEDV

Since porcine epidemic diarrhea virus was introduced into the U.S. swine industry in 2013, the disease has continued to plague the nation’s swine population. Now is the time for the industry to eliminate the disease. Paul Yeske, Swine Vet Center, discusses the challenges the industry has faced thus far as well as preparation and organization needed in the future.

Biosecurity: Why do we do it and who do we do it for?

Although the industry agrees on the impact biosecurity can have on pig performance and profitability, there are no universal guidelines. There is also a continual struggle getting caretakers and farm staff to buy in to these efforts. Brandi Burton, Suidae Health and Production, shares why it’s important to revisit biosecurity measures taken, to explore the research behind it and to challenge the industry to re-evaluate the people and processes.

Retrofitting hog facilities for the future

What does the hog facility of the future look like? How best to plan for a large-scale remodeling project? During the Iowa Pork Congress, Hog Slat convened a panel of industry leaders to share their insight and tips. Panel members included Rob Brenneman, owner of Brenneman Pork; P.J. Corns, Director of Sow Production for JBS Live Pork, and Alex Anderson, Maintenance Superintendent with Seaboard Foods.