The Canadian Swine Health Board reports data collected through the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network is shedding new light on a common infection that affects swine herds.
Data collected through the Canadian Swine Health Intelligence Network has identified a seasonal increase in the number of pigs being infected by strep suis.
Dr. Dan Hurnik, the chair of the Canadian Swine Health Board’s Long Term Disease Risk Management Committee and a member of the faculty of the Atlantic Veterinary College at the University of Prince Edward Island, says strep suis is a common bacteria found on healthy pigs as well as pigs that have problems.
During times, particularly around weaning time, when there’s any stress the pigs can develop a sore throat and in worst case scenario it can cause arthritis or meningitis and farmers will recognize sick pigs and have to treat them.
I think what we’re seeing is more cases in the fall and what our indications right now are is during times of changeable weather where ventilation systems are more challenged by outside temperature fluctuations, those are the kinds of stressors that can trigger problems in herds.
As well in the colder months, if there is more humidity, that seems to be a stressor as well.
What that means is or what we’ve learned from that is, as we head into each season where there’s more temperature fluctuations producers can be aware of that, talk to their veterinarian and get both preventive and treatment recommendations from their veterinarian.
For more information on strep suis Dr. Hurnik encourages producers to contact their local veterinarian or visit the Canadian Swine Health Board web site at swinehealth.ca.
