Porcine Health Management最新文献

{"title":"Systematic review and meta-analysis on the diagnostic accuracy of various detection methods for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus.","authors":"Wenxiang Zhang, Tao He, Honghuan Li, Aodi Wu, Xin Li, Qianqian Dong, Jie Chen, Jihai Yi, Jinliang Sheng, Xiangwei Zhao","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00482-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00482-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Currently, many detection methods for porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus have been developed, However, the optimal laboratory diagnostic method remains controversial. To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of PRRSV detection methods based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses, and to determine the optimal strategy for laboratory detection of PRRSV. METHOD: Articles published between 1 January 2015 and 1 January 2025 were retrieved from multiple databases. Based on different detection methods, the articles were divided into three categories: traditional immunological techniques, molecular amplification techniques, and convergent diagnostic technologies. The sensitivity and specificity of each study were calculated. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed using threshold value definitions, ROC curve analysis, and statistical methods. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model and pooled SROC curves. Stratified analysis and meta-regression were used to address effect size variability caused by differences in detection targets, tissue samples tested, and control trial designs. RESULTS: A total of 55 articles on traditional immunological techniques (involving 17,359 samples), 90 articles on molecular amplification techniques (involving 21,362 samples), and 14 articles on convergent diagnostic technologies (involving 1,289 samples) were included in the meta-analysis. In the 55 studies on traditional immunological techniques, the overall sensitivity was 0.93–0.94 (95% CI), and the overall specificity was 0.92 (95% CI). The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.9686, with an overall diagnostic odds ratio of 115.23 (95% CI 71.38-186.01). In 90 studies on molecular amplification techniques, the overall sensitivity was 0.97 (95% CI 0.96–0.97), and the overall specificity was 0.99 (95% CI 0.99–0.99). The AUC was 0.9951, with an overall diagnostic odds ratio of 1540 (95% CI 883.97-2684.10). In 14 studies on convergent technologies, the overall sensitivity was 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.96), and the overall specificity was 0.98 (95% CI 0.96–0.99). The AUC was 0.9910, with an overall diagnostic odds ratio of 503.74 (95% CI 152.78-1660.88). CONCLUSION: The systematic review and meta-analysis results indicate that traditional immunological techniques, molecular amplification techniques, and convergent diagnostic technologies all exhibit high sensitivity and specificity. Among the three technological platforms, molecular amplification techniques consistently yielded the highest point estimates for sensitivity, specificity, and AUC, along with a markedly higher diagnostic odds ratio. </p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":"4"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12888294/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145971125","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Influenza A virus infection dynamics in two sow herds and effects of interventions.","authors":"Marianne Viuf Agerlin, Lars Erik Larsen, Nicolai Rosager Weber, Mette Fertner, Nicole Bakkegård Goecke, Pia Ryt-Hansen","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00481-2","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00481-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of swine influenza A virus (swIAV) has undergone a change from causing mainly epidemic infections to continuous endemic circulation within herds. Several studies have traced the within-herd swIAV transmission pattern. However, studies with more frequent samplings of targeted age groups are needed to increase the current understanding of virus transmission dynamics. In addition, data on the efficacy of different intervention methods for reducing swIAV spread are highly relevant for disrupting endemic swIAV infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the weekly influenza infection dynamics and evaluate subsequent interventions, including vaccination and management changes. METHOD: Two batches of pigs in two sow herds (Herd 1 and 2) were sampled with nasal swabs and blood samples from one week of age to the end of the nursery period. In each batch, ten sows were included with each six piglets including three cross-fostered and three of the sows own piglets. Nasal swabs were tested for the presence of swIAV, and blood samples were tested for swIAV antibodies using ELISA and HI-test. In Herd 2, interventions including pre-farrowing vaccination, limited cross-fostering, litter-wise weaning and disinfection of tools and hands were implemented during a second round of sampling in two batches as described above. RESULTS: In both herds, an endemic presence of swIAV was observed, with Herd 1 having one circulating swIAV subtype (H1C.2.4N2G) circulating in the farrowing unit and Herd 2 having two swIAV strains (H1C.2.4N2G and H1N1pdm09) circulating both before and after weaning. Maternally derived swIAV antibodies were successfully transferred from sow to piglets, but despite high levels, swIAV infections was observed in the piglets down to one week of age and a lack of subsequent seroconversion was observed. The implementation of pre-farrowing vaccination increased the level of swIAV antibodies in sows and piglets but had no obvious effect on viral shedding and clinical disease. CONCLUSIONS: The endemic state of swIAV infections in sow herds was clearly illustrated in this study along with the difficulties in controlling swIAV through vaccinations and management changes in an environment that favours virus circulation. </p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13081247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145966627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Development and evaluation of an interactive case-based training tool for timely on-farm euthanasia decision-making in swine.","authors":"Laya Kannan Silva Alves, Cecília Archangelo Ferreira de Melo, Monique Danielle Pairis-Garcia, Andréia Gonçalves Arruda, Cesar Augusto Pospissil Garbossa","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00483-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00483-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Timely and humane euthanasia is essential to safeguard animal welfare on pig farms, yet studies in Brazil and other major pig-producing countries reveal persistent uncertainty and inconsistency in on-farm decision-making. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an interactive, case-based training tool to assess its impact on knowledge, confidence, and decision-making related to on-farm swine euthanasia among veterinary and animal science students. Outcomes included pre- and post-training self-assessed knowledge and confidence, accuracy of decisions in interactive case-based scenarios, and participant feedback regarding usability, realism, and perceived value of the tool. A total of 47 students participated in the study. They completed pre-and post-training Likert-scale surveys assessing self-perceived competencies related to swine euthanasia, followed by five clinical case scenarios requiring real-world decision. Participants’ demographics, education, and experience were collected and their feedback on the training tool was surveyed. Statistical analysis included Wilcoxon signed-rank tests for pre-post comparisons and multivariable logistic regression models to explore associations between participants’ characteristics and improvements in individual survey items. All eight self-assessed competencies showed statistically significant improvement after training (p < 0.05). Students demonstrated an average of 89.1% correct responses in interactive case-based decisions. Multivariable logistic models identified specific characteristics associated with greater improvement in confidence and knowledge, including gender, ethnicity, and prior swine experience. Participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with over 90% agreeing the tool was realistic, relatable, and worthwhile. These findings show the tool effectively strengthens euthanasia-related knowledge and confidence, supporting its adoption in veterinary and animal-science education to promote timely, ethical decision-making in Brazilian swine systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":"2"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-01-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12857146/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145934657","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Epidemiological trends of antibiotic resistance in pathogenic Escherichia coli in swine farms from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula and evaluation of air sampling for antibiotic resistance surveillance.","authors":"Gonzalo López-Lorenzo, Adriana Silva, José Manuel Díaz-Cao, Vanessa Silva, Alberto Prieto, Cynthia López-Novo, Gilberto Igrejas, Patrícia Poeta, Gonzalo Fernández","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00475-0","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00475-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Monitoring antibiotic resistance levels is essential to preventing its spread in pig farms. This is usually done through tests to assess phenotypic and genotypic resistance, although air analysis in farms could also be useful for obtaining this information. This study examined genotypic and phenotypic resistance levels in pathogenic E. coli from pig farms from Northwest of Iberian Peninsula and investigated the potential of air sampling as a tool for estimating antibiotic resistance. Rectal swabs were collected from weaned piglets, along with air samples from their housing areas. Bacteria with potential to cause diarrhea were identified from the swabs, followed by phenotypic antibiotic susceptibility testing and screening for resistance genes targeting eight antibiotic families. The presence of these genes was also analyzed in air samples using qPCR. RESULTS: All isolated pathogenic E. coli exhibited phenotypic resistance to at least two families of antibiotics, with aminoglycosides and lipopeptides being the families to which the highest percentage of resistant E. coli was detected (p < 0.05). In terms of genotypic resistance, genes encoding resistance to aminoglycosides, penicillins, and cephalosporins were the most frequently detected (p < 0.05), whereas those associated with lipopeptides, quinolones, and carbapenems were the least common (p < 0.05). Both phenotypic and genotypic resistance tended to cluster according to the origin farm, although positive associations between resistance genes were observed, with tet(A) and blaCTX−universal being the most frequently associated with others. Regarding air samples, there was poor concordance between the detection of resistance genes in air and the levels of genotypic and phenotypic resistance on the farm (k < 0.4), although this seems to be influenced by the different detection patterns of the evaluated genes in air. CONCLUSIONS: Pathogenic E. coli from pig farms exhibited a significant level of phenotypic and genotypic resistance to antibiotics, with resistance to aminoglycosides being particularly notable. Additionally, there was a prominent co-occurrence of genes encoding resistance to multiple antibiotic families. The effectiveness of air sampling for estimating farm-level antibiotic resistance seems to be influenced by differences in gene detection performance in this type of sample. </p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":"11 1","pages":"64"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12751166/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145857600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of synthetized porcine follicle-stimulating hormone and synthetized human chorionic gonadotropin on reproductive efficiency in pigs.","authors":"Jiahao Li, Wenjun Zhu, Chengnuo Hu, Wenchao Wu, Xuelong Liu, Zheng Huang, Li Li, Haoshu Luo, Hengxi Wei, Shouquan Zhang","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00476-z","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00476-z","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to evaluate the application of synthetized porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (spFSH) in combination with synthetized human chorionic gonadotropin (shCG) in inducing puberty in gilts, promoting estrus and ovulation in multiparous sows, and improving reproductive performance. In gilts, treatment with 30 µg spFSH + 150 IU shCG advanced the onset of puberty to 160 ~ 175 days of age in 76.62% of gilts, with a significantly lower incidence of ovarian cysts compared to PMSG and PG600. Hormonal profiling demonstrated that the applied protocol successfully induced endocrine maturation in gilts to levels consistent with those characteristic of natural puberty. In multiparous sows, the estrus-inducing effect of 30 µg spFSH + 150 IU shCG was comparable to PMSG and PG600 (400 IU PMSG and 200 IU hCG), while the incidence of ovarian cysts was significantly lower than in the PG600 group. This treatment significantly increased total piglets born per litter and reduced the number of days each piglet requires to be raised by a sow. When 300 IU shCG was used for ovulation induction, the farrowing rate significantly increased, and the number of days each piglet requires to be raised by a sow were further reduced. Hormonal analysis revealed that this treatment achieved physiological regulation of progesterone (P₄) levels, with endocrine changes better aligned with sow reproductive physiology. This study systematically evaluated the application value of spFSH in combination with shCG at different doses in the reproductive management of gilts and sows. The optimized combination significantly improved estrus expression and farrowing rates, reduced ovarian cyst incidence, improving economic efficiency, and enhanced reproductive efficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":"11 1","pages":"65"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12751420/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145857486","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus 2 in Europe: neither wild nor tamed.","authors":"Giovanni Franzo, Claudia Maria Tucciarone, Matteo Legnardi, Irene Melegari, Shadia Berjaoui, Gardenia Gatta, Francesca Poletto, Roberto Valente, Debora Marcone, Alessio Lorusso, Michele Drigo, Umberto Molini","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00478-x","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00478-x","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) exhibits a marked geographical clustering, with PRRSV-2 being predominantly found in North America and Asia. Its presence in Europe remains extremely limited and mainly represented by vaccine-like strains, belonging to sublineage 5.1. While the use of this vaccine is possible and applied in Northern Europe, its detection in Southern European countries has been largely anecdotal.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In the present study, we report the first confirmed case of PRRSV-2 detection in Italy, identifying two independent introduction events with no clear epidemiological link. A deeper evaluation of the overall epidemiological end evolutionary patterns of MLV-derived strains was performed to elucidate the present study findings. The phylogenetic and molecular analyses revealed significant genetic variability among vaccine-derived strains, with pairwise genetic distances exceeding 8% and an estimated evolutionary rate of ~10^{- 3} substitutions/site/year, comparable to field strains. These findings suggested ongoing viral evolution and persistent circulation since the vaccine introduction. Signatures of diversifying selection, particularly in ORF5, indicated adaptation to different host populations or immune environments. Moreover, phylogeographic analysis supported multiple independent introduction events of independently evolved strains rather than a single introduction followed by local evolution.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Contrary to expectations, PRRSV-2 vaccine-like strains exhibited transmission dynamics comparable to field strains. Their divergence, potential for adaptation, and reversion to virulence raise concerns about their long-term epidemiological and clinical impact. Given the scarcity of PRRSV-2 field strain reports in Europe, further surveillance and sequencing efforts are crucial to assess its true prevalence, evolutionary potential, and implications for swine health.</p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":"62"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-12-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752272/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145701649","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Varied residential options for gestating sows ensured welfare and productivity.","authors":"Per Wallgren, Sven-Erik Johansson, Mikael Kirk, PerArne Mattsson, Lena Lindahl, Mate Zoric","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00477-y","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00477-y","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: Adult sows spend more than 50% of their time in units for gestating sows. Consequently, the functionality of these facilities is important for their well-being. This project aimed to depict the well-being of loose housed gestating sows in uninsulated buildings by documenting behaviours, aggressions, stereotypical behaviours and treatments/cullings of sows. Sows were fed individually with an animal-adapted transponder technology with four eating cubicles that allowed individual feeding adjustments. Between meals, the sows could choose from occupying themselves in a tent with deep litter straw or a barn with sawdust and chopped straw. RESULTS: Sows weaned 13.0 ± 0.7 piglets per litter at a mean age of 31 days with a mean weight of 11.2 ± 0.9 kg. Everyday monitoring and handling of 150–160 gestating sows demanded 32 ± 12 minutes per day of the staff. Medical treatments (9%) and cullings (1%) of non-lactating sows were rare. During gestation, most of the sows preferred to stay in the tent where they mainly rested, but daytime there were always sows in the barn where they were more active. Air temperatures and humidity remained comfortable throughout the year but differed between seasons. During spring, summer and autumn, queuing in front of the eating cubicles were rare and few aggressions were recorded. The activity of the sows was lowest during summer when sows also rested individually. Sows were most active during winter when they rested and moved in groups. Consequently, queuing and interactions in front of the feeding cubicles increased. However, most of these interactions were directed to the side or rear of another sow, and not against the head. Sows ate hierarchically, old sows ate first during the day and gilts last. No stereotypic behaviour was recorded. CONCLUSIONS: Providing sows with varied residential options between meals and individually adjusted feeding during the gestating period ensured motion and well-being without reducing productivity and with low incidences of aggressions and medical treatments/cullings. The study also confirmed that gestating sows can be housed in uninsulated buildings during winter, if they are shielded from wind and can guard themselves from chill, e.g. by bivouacking themselves in deep litter straw. </p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":"63"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-12-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12751548/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145678441","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of Ningxiang pig-derived Lactobacillus reuteri supplementation on the growth performance, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota of finishing pigs.","authors":"Qian Xie, Mei Yang, Qing Duanmu, Luya Feng, Luling Liu, Yulong Yin, Bi E Tan, Jiashun Chen","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00474-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00474-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>While the pivotal role of the gut microbiota in lipid metabolism has been well established, the specific contributions of bacterial strains isolated from native Chinese pig breeds to lipid metabolic regulation remain largely uninvestigated. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of Ningxiang pig-derived L. reuteri XY227 supplementation on growth performance, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota in finishing pigs.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Sixteen healthy Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) finishing pigs, with an initial body weight of 63.36 ± 1.28 kg, were randomly assigned to two groups, each with eight replicates. The dietary treatments included a basal diet and a basal diet supplemented with 0.4% L. reuteri XY227 (1 × 10¹¹ CFU/kg of basal diet). The experiment lasted for 50 days.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Supplementation with L. reuteri XY227 significantly increased the final body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) (P < 0.05). Dietary supplementation with L. reuteri XY227 significantly reduced the concentrations of C12:0, C18:1n9c, C20:2, and total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (P < 0.05) in the dorsal subcutaneous adipose tissue. In the L. reuteri XY227 group, mRNA expressions of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1 C), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) in subcutaneous adipose tissue were notably reduced (P < 0.05). The expression of fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36) was significantly elevated (P < 0.05). L. reuteri XY227 supplementation increased Cluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) mRNA expression in the jejunum and improved jejunal and ileal the height of villi (P < 0.05). Diet supplemented with L. reuteri XY227 significantly boosted the abundance of Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Limosilactobacillus in the ileum mucosa and the valerate content in the colon (P < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Collectively, these findings indicate that L. reuteri XY227 supplementation improves growth performance and modulates lipid metabolism, possibly achieved through improvements in intestinal morphology and alteration of the gut microbial community.</p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":" ","pages":"66"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12752431/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145605588","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"High incidence of stillbirths in a free farrowing system linked to uterotonic misuse and improper farrowing management: a case report.","authors":"Alexander Grahofer, Heiko Nathues, Jens Becker","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00466-1","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00466-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>An aceptable target range for stillbirths per litter varies between 5-7% of total born piglets in sows. Several major risk factors have been identified that contribute to the increased incidence of stillbirths in piglet-producing herds, including the use of uterotonic agents. Oxytocin and carbetocin are commonly administered to manage the farrowing process. Oxytocin is a short-acting, natural hormone that induces rapid uterine contractions, while carbetocin is a long-acting synthetic analog designed for prolonged stimulation. Both agents can affect stillbirth rates depending on timing of application, dosage, and the sow's physiological condition, emphasizing the need for cautious and informed use.</p><p><strong>Case presentation: </strong>A Swiss piglet-producing herd suffered from an increased stillbirth rate of 8.7%. A herd examination was conducted to reveal the general health status of the herd. The birth process of eight sows, resulting in a total of 129 piglets, was analysed for birth management, total duration of birth, and duration of piglet expulsion. Each piglet was scored for meconium staining and vitality. In addition, material from stillborn and weak-born piglets was subjected to further examinations. The general physical examination of the sows before farrowing revealed no abnormalities. At different time points during the farrowing process, all sows routinely received an intramuscular treatment of 35 µg carbetocin once by the animal caretaker, which caused a prolonged piglet-to-piglet interval directly after application, loss of colostrum and an increased number of weak and stillborn piglets. Histological examination of heart samples from five stillborn piglets revealed no signs of myocarditis or other abnormalities. Moreover, qPCR for porcine circovirus type 2 on the heart samples was negative. Serology on pre-colostral serum samples of one litter with a mummified piglet were negative for antibodies towards porcine parvovirus. Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus was excluded by PCR examination of the serum of ten weak-born piglets. After stopping the routine treatment with carbetocin and improving the birth management, both recommended by the examination team, the level of stillbirths decreased to 4.6%.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Herd problems with stillbirths require a comprehensive herd investigation including monitoring the birth management and ruling out potential pathogens. In this case, the routinely administration of carbetocin during parturition led to severe undesirable side effects. A good monitoring during the farrowing process combined with appropriate measures and the omission of prophylactic carbetocin administration enhanced the birth process and thereby piglets' survival.</p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":"11 1","pages":"61"},"PeriodicalIF":3.1,"publicationDate":"2025-11-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12631997/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145565085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Risk assessment for Brucella suis biovar 2 in Danish pigs.","authors":"Lis Alban, Annette Dresling, Maybritt Kiel Poulsen","doi":"10.1186/s40813-025-00471-4","DOIUrl":"10.1186/s40813-025-00471-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>BACKGROUND: In Denmark, the number of uncastrated finishing pigs is on the increase, due to a wish to improve animal welfare and productivity. According to the EU legislation, all parts of a slaughter animal must be subjected to official inspection, with the penis as an exception if already discarded. The question is what the risk associated with not detecting abnormal testicles is for people working with pigs and consumers eating pig meat. To address this, we undertook a semi-quantitative risk assessment following WOAH guidelines, assuming two different transmission pathways (contact/meat-borne) and two different pig populations (indoor/outdoor) using Denmark as a case. RESULTS: Brucella spp. was identified as the only relevant public health hazard. Brucellosis is a notifiable zoonotic infection, among others resulting in enlarged testicles in infected boars. Denmark is officially free from B. abortus and B. melitensis, whereas B. suis biovar 2 has been detected on a few occasions during the last 50 years. No human cases have ever been detected in Denmark, and only few cases are found elsewhere. Pig meat is not ascribed to transmission of infection unless the meat comes from acutely infected animals. CONCLUSION: The human health risk related to B. suis biovar 2 was assessed as low in case of contact with outdoor-reared pigs and negligible for the meat-borne route and contact to indoor raised pigs. Therefore, pig producers and veterinarians should focus on outdoor-raised pig production and react immediately upon presence of relevant symptoms such as enlarged testicles or abortions. </p>","PeriodicalId":20352,"journal":{"name":"Porcine Health Management","volume":"11 1","pages":"60"},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2025-11-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12625320/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145541986","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}