After the recognition of hospital-associated MRSA and community-associated MRSA, recently a new lineage of MRSA was found in livestock, mainly in pigs (LA-MRSA).It was hypothesized that the presence of different livestock species could contribute to a higher prevalence of LA-MRSA on a farm.The aim of the study was to gain insights into the prevalence on Belgian mixed farms and to compare the antibacterial resistance pattern of MRSA.Between January 2009 and January 2013, 2 mixed poultry-pig farms and 3 mixed cattle-pig farms were sampled 3 times for pigs and cattle and 6 times for poultry.On each sampling round, nose swabs of pigs (n=10) and cattle (n=10) were taken, whereas swabs of nose shells and cloaca from poultry (n=10).Swabs were pooled per two for examination.In pigs, 64% of the pooled samples were found MRSA positive, whereas for cattle and poultry this was 12% and 10%, respectively.On the mixed poultry-pig farms, 83% of the samples of pigs were positive compared to 51% on mixed cattle-pig farms.MRSA was found in pigs during each sampling round.On all farms MRSA was isolated from broilers or cattle, however, MRSA was only found in poultry during sampling round 1 and 2 and in cattle during sampling round 1 and 3. Overall, resistance was found against 10of the 16 tested antibiotics.In only one sample resistance was reported against an antibiotic used on the farm (trimethoprim in pigs).These results indicate that LA-MRSA was present on each farm and in each animal species.The prevalence seems higher in pigs compared to poultry and cattle.The prevalence seems also higher in pigs housed in pig-poultry farms comparing to the prevalence in pigs in pig-cattle farms.There was no link between the resistance pattern and the use of antibiotics on the farms.

A proper culling policy in sow herds is a prerequisite to maintain a stable parity profile of the breeding animals and to maintain consistent production. This study investigated reasons for culling of 502 sows from 7 commercial pig herds and examined the reproductive tract of these sows by macroscopical, bacteriological and histopathological examination. Associations between all three examinations were statistically analysed. More than 50% of the sows was culled because of reproduction failure, while old age was the second most common reason (23%). Approximately 75% of the examined uteri were visually normal. Purulent exudate was detected in 18% of the animals. No abnormalities were found in 54% of the ovaries, whereas 28% showed inactivity. Sixty-two percent of the uteri were bacteriologically positive, with Escherichia coli (18%) being the most frequently isolated. Histologically, 52% of the uteri showed mild to severe inflammation. From the uteri with endometritis based on visual inspection and histology, 26% and 30% was bacteriologically negative, respectively. The presence of bacteria showed a slight agreement with macroscopical (κ=0.14, p=0.04) and histopathological endometritis (κ=0.18, p=0.04). No agreement was found between macroscopical and histopathological lesions (κ=−0.06, p>0.05). Major differences were found between herds for all parameters. In conclusion, sows are mostly culled because of insufficient reproductive performance, and many of the culled sows show endometritis lesions. Histopathology appears to be more sensitive than visual inspection.

It is believed that biosecurity influences production figures and health status of pig herds, nevertheless, few studies succeed in demonstrating and quantifying this relation. In the present study, 95 randomly selected Belgian closed or semi-closed pig herds were visited to quantify the biosecurity status of the herd by means of a biosecurity scoring system (Biocheck) with a range from 0 (= total absence of biosecurity) to 100 (= perfect biosecurity). At the same visit additional data concerning herd, farmer, production characteristics and the use of antimicrobials was collected. The Antimicrobial use was quantified by calculating treatment incidences (TI). The external biosecurity (preventing pathogens from entering the herd) ranged between 45 and 89/100 with an average of 65/100, whereas the internal biosecurity (reducing within herd spread of infection) score was on average 52/100 (min 18; max 87). The number of sows and fattening pigs on a herd ware positively associated with the external biosecurity score. This indicates that on larger herds, more attention is paid to biosecurity. A negative association was seen between the internal biosecurity score and the age of the buildings as well as with the years of experience of the farmer. This indicates that biosecurity is higher on the agenda with younger farmers and in more modern herds.

Staphylococcus hyicus is the causative agent of exudative epidermitis, an important skin disease in pigs. The classical form is characterized by general dermatitis and epidermitis without pruritis and by dehydration and death. This form of the disease mainly occurs in pigs younger than eight weeks. Localized forms with lesions at the eartips, the head, the flanks and the other extremities also occur, especially in pigs older than six weeks. Toxins produced by S. hyicus, together with predisposing factors causing skin lesions are important for the development of clinical symptoms. The clinical symptoms and lesions are typical, but the isolation of the bacterium from the lesions is necessary to confirm the diagnosis. The treatment entails fluid therapy, the topical use of antiseptics and the use of antimicrobials. Control is based on the prevention of skin lesions, the optimization of the housing conditions, stable climate and nutrition, and the application of sanitary and hygienic measures in the stables to lower the infection pressure.

Veterinary RecordVolume 174, Issue 2 p. 47-47 Research First isolation of "Brachyspira hampsonii" from pigs in Europe M. Mahu, Corresponding Author M. Mahu [email protected] Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumE-mail for correspondence: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorE. de Jong, E. de Jong Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorN. De Pauw, N. De Pauw Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorL. Vande Maele, L. Vande Maele Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 Belgium Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Brusselsesteenweg 370, Melle, B-9090 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorV. Vandenbroucke, V. Vandenbroucke Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorT. Vandersmissen, T. Vandersmissen Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorC. Miry, C. Miry Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Pasmans, F. Pasmans Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Haesebrouck, F. Haesebrouck Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorA. Martel, A. Martel Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Boyen, F. Boyen Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author M. Mahu, Corresponding Author M. Mahu [email protected] Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumE-mail for correspondence: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorE. de Jong, E. de Jong Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorN. De Pauw, N. De Pauw Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorL. Vande Maele, L. Vande Maele Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 Belgium Institute for Agricultural and Fisheries Research (ILVO), Brusselsesteenweg 370, Melle, B-9090 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorV. Vandenbroucke, V. Vandenbroucke Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorT. Vandersmissen, T. Vandersmissen Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorC. Miry, C. Miry Animal Health Care Flanders, Deinse Horsweg 1, Drongen, B-9031 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Pasmans, F. Pasmans Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Haesebrouck, F. Haesebrouck Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorA. Martel, A. Martel Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this authorF. Boyen, F. Boyen Department of Pathology, Bacteriology and Poultry Diseases, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Salisburylaan 133, Merelbeke, 9820 BelgiumSearch for more papers by this author First published: 11 January 2014 https://doi.org/10.1136/vr.101868Citations: 3 Provenance: not commissioned; externally peer reviewed Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. 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Staphylococcus hyicus is het oorzakelijke agens van exsudatieve epidermitis, een belangrijke huidziekte bij varkens. Bij de klassieke vorm zijn algemene dermatitis en epidermitis zonder jeuk aanwezig waarbij dehydratatie en sterfte kunnen optreden. Deze vorm komt vooral voor bij dieren jonger dan acht weken. Gelokaliseerde vormen, waarbij voornamelijk de oortoppen, de kop, de flanken of overige extremiteiten aangetast zijn, komen ook voor maar dan vooral bij dieren ouder dan zes weken. De door de kiem geproduceerde toxines zijn samen met andere predisponerende factoren die huidbeschadigingen kunnen veroorzaken, belangrijk om klinische symptomen te veroorzaken. De klinische symptomen en letsels zijn karakteristiek maar om de diagnose te bevestigen, is een isolatie van de kiem uit de letsels noodzakelijk. De behandeling bestaat uit vochttherapie, het topicale gebruik van antiseptica en het toedienen van antimicrobiële middelen. De preventie berust op het voorkomen van huidletsels, het optimaliseren van de huisvesting, het stalklimaat en de voeding en het toepassen van een goede reiniging en stalhygiëne om de infectiedruk te verlagen.

To achieve optimal reproductive performance in pig herds, sows need to become pregnant as soon as possible after weaning. The aim of this study was to investigate herd and management factors associated with reproductive performance of sows after weaning. A questionnaire pertaining to sow management at weaning and herd reproductive data were collected from 76 randomly selected commercial pig herds in Belgium. Associations between the herd factors and two reproductive parameters after weaning (weaning-to-oestrous interval: WEI and percentage of repeat breeders: RB) were analysed using general linear mixed models. A separated feeding strategy of breeding gilts from 60 kg onwards was significantly associated with a shorter WEI (5.54 vs 7.28 days; p = 0.040). Factors significantly associated with a lower percentage of RB were housing the newly weaned sows separated from the gestating sows (7% vs 12%; p = 0.003), using semen < 4 days after collection (7-9 vs 14%; p = 0.014) and stimulating oestrus twice a day (8 vs 11%; p = 0.025). In conclusion, some management practices, such as feeding strategy of breeding gilts, housing conditions of sows, method of oestrous stimulation and storage duration of semen, have an influence on the outcome of reproductive parameters such as weaning-to-oestrous interval and percentage of repeat breeders. These practices can be implemented rather easily by pig producers and may consequently lead to improvements of reproductive performance of sows after weaning.

Ovariële cysten vormen een belangrijke oorzaak van verminderde vruchtbaarheid bij gelten en zeugen.Hoewel het ontstaansmechanisme nog niet volledig bekend is, wordt aangenomen dat folliculaire cysten ontstaan door het doorgroeien van rijpe follikels wanneer de LH-piek onvoldoende hoog is en ovulatie uitblijft.Luteale cysten ontstaan mogelijk door een voortijdige sluiting van de follikelwand na ovulatie.De ontwikkeling van ovariële cysten is multifactorieel en de gevoeligheid voor deze aandoening wordt deels genetisch bepaald.Bekende risicofactoren zijn stress, mycotoxinen en een langdurige en/of een ongepaste toediening van hormonale producten.Daarnaast spelen wellicht nog tal van onbekende factoren een rol.Ovariële cysten kunnen leiden tot anoestrus, oestrus met onregelmatige intervallen, gedragsveranderingen, verlaagde drachtigheidspercentages en een kleinere worpgrootte.Desalniettemin worden niet alle gevallen klinisch opgemerkt.De diagnose wordt gesteld via echografisch onderzoek.Een medicamenteuze behandeling is mogelijk (GnRH, hCG of PGF2α) maar de kans op een succesvolle dracht binnen 42 dagen na de behandeling blijft lager dan 50%.Meestal wordt beslist om de zeug af te voeren naar het slachthuis.

Ovarian cysts are an important cause of reduced reproductive performance in gilts and sows. The formation of follicular cysts, although not completely elucidated yet, is associated with a deficiency in LH release and the continuous growth of follicles. Luteal cysts might arise from ovulated follicles due to premature closure of the ovulation site. The formation of ovarian cysts is probably multifactorial. Genetic factors may affect the susceptibility to this fertility disorder. Risk factors for the development of ovarian cysts are stress, mycotoxins and hormonal treatment over a long period of time, or at an improper phase of the reproductive cycle. Other, still unknown risk factors may be involved. Ovarian cysts can cause anestrus, irregular estrus cycles, behavioral changes, lower conception rates and a reduced litter size. However, not all ovarian cysts are clinically apparent. The diagnosis of ovarian cysts is based on ultrasonography. Various treatments are possible (GnRH, hCG or PGF 2α) but the effectiveness is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in most cases the sow is culled.

The aim of this study was to compare oral iron supplementation in feed with a standard iron injection and assess the impact on the health and productivity of pigs. The reliability of a quick test (HemoCue) for the measurement of blood haemoglobin concentration was also investigated. Three pig herds, with a total of 88 sows and their piglets, were included in the study. Piglets in treatment group O were fed a special iron-rich feed on days 2 to 4, 5 to 7 and 8 to 12 of lactation using a specially designed feeding device. Piglets in group IM received 200 mg of an iron dextran complex intramuscularly at three days of age. Haemoglobin concentrations and performance of the piglets were compared between groups. The mean haemoglobin concentrations in pigs at weaning were 131.4 and 116.4 g/l for pigs in groups O and IM, respectively (P<0.01). Daily weight gain (253.9 v 248.8 g/day) and piglet mortality (11.4 v 12.2 per cent) were slightly better in group O than in group IM (P>0.05).

Ovarian cysts are an important cause of reduced reproductive performance in gilts and sows. The formation of follicular cysts, although not completely elucidated yet, is associated with a deficiency in LH release and the continuous growth of follicles. Luteal cysts might arise from ovulated follicles due to premature closure of the ovulation site. The formation of ovarian cysts is probably multifactorial. Genetic factors may affect the susceptibility to this fertility disorder. Risk factors for the development of ovarian cysts are stress, mycotoxins and hormonal treatment over a long period of time, or at an improper phase of the reproductive cycle. Other, still unknown risk factors may be involved. Ovarian cysts can cause anestrus, irregular estrus cycles, behavioral changes, lower conception rates and a reduced litter size. However, not all ovarian cysts are clinically apparent. The diagnosis of ovarian cysts is based on ultrasonography. Various treatments are possible (GnRH, hCG or PGF(2a)) but the effectiveness is unsatisfactory. Therefore, in most cases the sow is culled.

During the last decades, the use of ultrasound as a fast and accurate tool for pregnancy diagnosis in sows has increased. Ultrasonography has also shown to be an appropriate method to visualize the ovaries of gilts and sows to either determine the time of ovulation or to diagnose ovarian dysfunctions. By monitoring the ovaries before the first insemination in gilts, or after weaning in sows, it is possible to estimate the time of ovulation and subsequently to determine the optimal time of insemination. Therefore ultrasound testing can be a helpful tool in herds suffering from reproductive failure due to insufficient estrous detection and subsequently an incorrect insemination time. Ultrasonography can also be used for diagnosing ovarian abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts and inactive ovaries. In this way, it can be helpful in the decision to cull sows that are not suitable for breeding purposes. Ultrasound testing of the ovaries may therefore be advised as a tool to solve and prevent fertility problems in specific pig herds.

During the last decades, the use of ultrasound as a fast and accurate tool for pregnancy diagnosis in sows has increased. Ultrasonography has also shown to be an appropriate method to visualize the ovaries of gilts and sows to either determine the time of ovulation or to diagnose ovarian dysfunctions. By monitoring the ovaries before the first insemination in gilts, or after weaning in sows, it is possible to estimate the time of ovulation and subsequently to determine the optimal time of insemination. Therefore ultrasound testing can be a helpful tool in herds suffering from reproductive failure due to insufficient estrous detection and subsequently an incorrect insemination time. Ultrasonography can also be used for diagnosing ovarian abnormalities, such as ovarian cysts and inactive ovaries. In this way, it can be helpful in the decision to cull sows that are not suitable for breeding purposes. Ultrasound testing of the ovaries may therefore be advised as a tool to solve and prevent fertility problems in specific pig herds.

de varkenshouderij, vooral om drachtigheid of eventuele afwijkingen ter hoogte van de baarmoeder vast te stellen bij zeugen.Echografie kan echter ook zeer interessant zijn om de ovaria in beeld te brengen.Dit kan door de sonde rectaal in te brengen maar het is ook mogelijk via transabdominale weg.Door de eierstokken vóór de eerste inseminatie bij gelten of in de periode na het spenen bij zeugen regelmatig te onderzoeken, kan men het ovulatietijdstip schatten en aldus het meest geschikte inseminatietijdstip bepalen.Dit is vooral belangrijk op bedrijven met vruchtbaarheidsproblemen waarbij de bronstcontrole en het inseminatieschema niet optimaal verlopen.Het echografisch onderzoek van de ovaria laat eveneens toe om andere afwijkingen ter hoogte van de ovaria, zoals cysteuze ovariële follikels of inactieve ovaria aan te tonen.Een echografisch onderzoek kan een belangrijk bijkomend hulpmiddel zijn bij het optimaliseren van het inseminatieschema of bij het diagnosticeren van ovariële afwijkingen.