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Author(s): J. Harding, C. Fernando, M. Costa, A. Patterson, J. Rubin, and J.E. Hill
Publication Date: June 11, 2013
Reference: Advances in Pork Production, Volume 24, 2013
Country: Canada

Summary:

The University of Saskatchewan has been studying Swine Dysentery since its re-emergence in western Canada in 2009. A new species, Brachyspira Hampsonii,  has been identified since then, and it causes mucohaemorrhagic diarrhea in a similar way to swine dysentery. Samples collected from farms have shown 66% positive for a Brachyspira species, and 43% positive for B. Hampsonii. Other species of Brachyspira were only present in 12-14% of samples. With a new strain, new ways of accurately identifying it had to be developed, and a new PCR along with microbiologic tests can now do so. PCR is often used to identify Brachyspira, but it is not very sensitive and can result in false negatives. Genus-specific PCR should not be used for rectal swab samples, but can be more sensitive than cultures for higher starting material, like feces samples. Cultures are the preferred choice for rectal swabs, or for several individual pigs. Currently, the recommendation for sample submissions is to send as much as possible, but to avoid rectal swabs or feces samples. Live pigs submitted to have samples taken at the lab are preferred. Specific biosecurity breaches have not yet been identified for causing contamination, except for from other pigs. All age groups, with the exception of suckling pigs, can shed Brachyspira, and the source of it can be masked by medication included in feed. Vaccines are not yet available, and eradication without a known source is very hard. So far, increasing biosecurity remains the best way to prevent Brachyspira contamination.

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