SAPPO pig production course
Biosecurity
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Why is it important ?
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What are we afraid of ?
What can we do about it ?
What will it cost ?
Where can we get help ?
Biosecurity
Why is it important?
• South Africa is an active part of the global village
with its rapid communications and increasing
volumes of imports and exports;
• Genetic improvement goes with imported semen and
live pigs, both of which can carry diseases;
• Emerging and small herds are not protected from
getting infections and passing them on;
• Every part of pig production is concerned –
breeding, housing, feeding, health and marketing.
Biosecurity
The threats:
• Destructive diseases eg African swine fever, hog
cholera, blue ear disease, foot and mouth, exotic
viruses;
• Common economic diseases eg E coli enteritis,
respiratory conditions, mange, reproductive
failure, worms;
• Stock theft
Biosecurity
• Destructive diseases
ASF: total loss
FMD: vesicles
Biosecurity
• Economic diseases
Parvovirus mummies
Ascaris worms in intestine
Biosecurity
• Where do destructive diseases come from ?
Sources:
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Bought-in pigs from auctions, speculators;
People: neighbours, family, friends, reps.
officials, vets;
Swill, especially if it includes animal tissues;
Vehicles from millers, butchers, dealers;
Containers, especially second-hand feed sacks;
Birds, dogs, rodents;
Water, dust, wind
Biosecurity
• What can we do?
Rules to keep infections out of your herd:
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Fence the property in a way that keeps your pigs in and
other pigs, dogs and people out; secure the gate with
chain and padlock;
Put notices on fences and gates; be strict;
Keep pigs in pens or small camps away from the fence;
2nd hand materials are OK
The message is clear
Biosecurity
Rules continued:
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Comfortable, usable pens don’t have to be expensive;
Simple, non- wasting food or water holder helps costs and
hygiene
Biosecurity
• Rules continued; feeding:• 6. Give pigs the best quality feed you can afford;
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NEVER feed any food of animal origin;
NEVER feed anything from a harbour or airport;
Cook all raw putrescible material for 30 minutes
Use nutritious dry food such as old bakery items, dated
dog, horse or other cubes;
• 11. Bulky, energy-rich vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, butternut )
Balanced rations are best
Boiling raw “swill” is a must
Biosecurity
• Rules continued, water:• 12. All pigs need water, lactating sows need large
amounts – up to 30 litres per day with a big litter;
• 13. Water quality is important – it can act as a
transmitter of infections
Water supplies can be a big
problem
A clever water system
Biosecurity
• Rules continued, pigs and veterinary help:
• 14. Separate new pigs from the herd for four weeks while they
are tested and treated;
• 15. Ask for veterinary advice regarding routine treatments and
preventive measures for quarantine pigs, and the herd in
general;
• 16. Make regular use of vaccines, share the costs with other
owners ;
• 17. Always consult the area State Veterinary Dept to find out
about prevailing regulations re movement, marketing,
disease control measures – they are there to protect you;
• 18. Help is available from the Dept of Agriculture, the Vet Dept,
SAPPO and pharmaceutical companies
Biosecurity
• Good luck with a successful and minimal
disease project!!
• Any questions?