1. SAPPO pig production course
Biosecurity
Why is it important ?
What are we afraid of ?
What can we do about it ?
What will it cost ?
Where can we get help ?

2. Biosecurity Why is it important?
South Africa is an active part of the global village with its rapid communications and increasing volumes of imports and exports;
Genetic improvement goes with imported semen and live pigs, both of which can carry diseases;
Emerging and small herds are not protected from getting infections and passing them on;
Every part of pig production is concerned – breeding, housing, feeding, health and marketing.

3. Biosecurity The threats:
Destructive diseases eg African swine fever, hog cholera, blue ear disease, foot and mouth, exotic viruses;
Common economic diseases eg E coli enteritis, respiratory conditions, mange, reproductive failure, worms;
Stock theft

4. Biosecurity
Destructive diseases
ASF: total loss
FMD: vesicles

5. Biosecurity Economic diseases Parvovirus mummies
Ascaris worms in intestine

6. Biosecurity Where do destructive diseases come from ? Sources:
1. Bought-in pigs from auctions, speculators;
2. People: neighbours, family, friends, reps. officials, vets;
3. Swill, especially if it includes animal tissues;
4. Vehicles from millers, butchers, dealers;
5. Containers, especially second-hand feed sacks;
6. Birds, dogs, rodents;
7. Water, dust, wind

7. Biosecurity What can we do? Rules to keep infections out of your herd:
1. Fence the property in a way that keeps your pigs in and other pigs, dogs and people out; secure the gate with chain and padlock;
2. Put notices on fences and gates; be strict;
3. Keep pigs in pens or small camps away from the fence;
2nd hand materials are OK
The message is clear

8. Biosecurity Rules continued:
4. Comfortable, usable pens don’t have to be expensive;
5. Simple, non- wasting food or water holder helps costs and hygiene

9. Biosecurity Rules continued; feeding:-
6. Give pigs the best quality feed you can afford;
7. NEVER feed any food of animal origin;
8. NEVER feed anything from a harbour or airport;
9. Cook all raw putrescible material for 30 minutes
10. Use nutritious dry food such as old bakery items, dated dog, horse or other cubes;
11. Bulky, energy-rich vegetables (pumpkin, carrots, butternut )
Boiling raw “swill” is a must
Balanced rations are best

10. Biosecurity Rules continued, water:-
12. All pigs need water, lactating sows need large amounts – up to 30 litres per day with a big litter;
13. Water quality is important – it can act as a transmitter of infections
A clever water system
Water supplies can be a big problem

11. Biosecurity Rules continued, pigs and veterinary help:
14. Separate new pigs from the herd for four weeks while they are tested and treated;
15. Ask for veterinary advice regarding routine treatments and preventive measures for quarantine pigs, and the herd in general;
16. Make regular use of vaccines, share the costs with other owners ;
17. Always consult the area State Veterinary Dept to find out about prevailing regulations re movement, marketing, disease control measures – they are there to protect you;
18. Help is available from the Dept of Agriculture, the Vet Dept, SAPPO and pharmaceutical companies

12. Biosecurity Good luck with a successful and minimal disease project!!
Any questions?