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SITUATIONAL REPORT – SEPTEMBER 5, 2024
Health Advisory: Increased Illness and Death in Maine Pigs
Current Situation
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The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry announced that one of seven pigs tested in a recent health check was positive for Lawsonia intracellularis.
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While Lawsonia can lead to illness or even death, particularly in young pigs, it is often just one of several factors contributing to poor health outcomes. In this case, the Lawsonia-positive pig also tested positive for a type of coccidia, a common parasite known to cause gastrointestinal illness.
- Testing of pig manure samples revealed the presence of parasites in all the samples, with coccidia being the most frequently found parasite. These findings underscore the need for improved farm management practices to prevent pathogen and parasite-related health issues in pig populations.
We recommend that pig farmers focus on enhancing husbandry and management practices to prevent the introduction and spread of pathogens like Lawsonia and parasites like coccidia. Maintaining good sanitation and hygiene is critical to pig health. Pens should be kept clean, dry, and sanitized regularly, and insect control measures should be in place to limit pest exposure.
- Dr. Stefanie Bolas, Maine State Veterinarian
Preventing the spread of disease in pig farming requires attention to basic but critical farm management techniques. By implementing sound practices such as regular pen sanitation and insect control, farmers can help protect their animals from pathogens and parasites.
Helpful Resources:
For Pig Owners/Farms and Pork Producers:
- Quarantine new animals arriving at your farm/facility (see the quarantine checklist).
- Ensure biosecurity on your farm/facility (see the biosecurity checklist).
- Identify and work with a veterinarian who is experienced with swine.
For Agricultural Fairs:
- Ensure proper animal check-in procedures (see handout).
- Ready a quarantine area to place animals that become ill on-site.
- Identify and contract with a veterinarian who is experienced with livestock.
For Veterinarians:
- Contact DACF Animal Health if you encounter sick pigs that fit the description above. Financial support for diagnostics may be available in certain cases.
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Discuss with your clients the importance of diagnostics and necropsy to identify the cause of illness or death.
All:
More Information:
Contacts:
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