Four of the five health issues identified for discussion could mask African Swine Fever (ASF).

This quarter we applied a new guide with formalized monitoring, thresholds for frequency of conditions (flags, signals, runs), and actions (further exploration of data and discussion) (Link to summary of the Epidemiologic Surveillance Report). It resulted in 4 flags and 2 signals/runs representing 5 health issues for exploration and discussion and four could mask ASF.

In the first weeks after the ASF has entered a herd, it can be subtle with mortality within normal range and signs that look like common diseases. Therefore, in these first weeks you could inadvertently spread ASF to you contacts. To give you peace-of-mind your herd practitioner can request ASF rule-out testing.

Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) has been confirmed in Manitoba and the situation is evolving quickly. Therefore, it is being monitored closely.

It has been a privilege for the CWSHIN manager to observe how well the Manitoban swine practitioners, government swine health experts and MB Pork has mobilized and are working together.

Practical tips

Call your herd practitioner for a thorough disease investigation if you see

• an increased number of deaths, sudden death (septicemia, Strep suis infection),
• increased abortions,
• skin discolouring,
• diarrhea or bloody diarrhea (PED, Salmonella, dysentery).

Now would be a good time to review your biosecurity with staff and your herd practitioner.

Abattoirs and assembly yards have regular contact with many different premises, which puts them at a higher risk for contamination during transport. Practicing careful biosecurity when visiting these high traffic facilities as well as when returning from them is critical. Vehicles returning from these high traffic sites in Canada, or the US can be contaminated with diseases you do not want to bring back to your herd, PRRS and PED, just to mention two.

Fall marks the onset of the influenza season so get vaccinated and do not enter barns when sick.