11 PULSE by ITAVI (Tools & checklists)

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Significant Impact Group(s): Biosecurity
Species targeted: Poultry;
Summary: PULSE, a tool created by ITAVI in France:
The application of biosecurity measures in animal husbandry aims to prevent or limit the introduction,
circulation and dissemination of contaminants. To help farmers assess the conformity of their farming
systems and practices, a biosecurity self-assessment tool has been built, including all of the expected
recommendations. It was conceived as a tool for progress, making it possible to target the points to be
improved in the short or medium term and proposing ways of improvement to be discussed, in concert
with technical supervision.
The purpose of this tool is to support producers in the implementation of biosecurity procedures and to
maintain vigilance over the long term.
11 ToolsChecklists – PULSE by ITAVI
Where to find the original material: (in French;)
https://www.itavi.asso.fr/content/jevalue-la-biosecurite-sur-mon-exploitation-de-volailles-plein-air;
Country: France;

9 Powerpoint Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival health and lifetime of piglets by FarmAntibiotics-org (Farm Innovation)

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9 Farm Innovation
Powerpoint – Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets by FarmAntibiotics.org
in Significant Impact Group(s): Breeding for disease resistance or robustness ; Feed / gut health

Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Summary: Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets:
This powerpoint presentations discusses of 5 experiments in sows and piglets.
Topics are:
1) Udder morphology: Define udder conformation traits measurable in a reliable way
2) Udder morphology variation: Define udder conformation traits measurable in a reliable way
3) On-farm colostrum IgG methodology: Evaluation of Brix refractometer to assess colostrum quality
4) Variation of litter performance: the effect of maternal and birth characteristics on litter weight and serum IgG at 24h
5) Relationship between piglets and udder traits
The presentation ends with:
– Study in progress (which focusses on udder conformation changes in consecutive parities of the sow)
– Industry focus
o Breeding company’s should be allowed to take udder conformation and colostrum quality into account
o Increase number of weaned piglets by selection on better nursing capacity and improving colostrum accessibility and quality
9 Farm Innovation – Powerpoint – Improving udder quality traits in sows to aid survival, health and lifetime performance of piglets by FarmAntibiotics.org
Where to find the original material: (in English)

https://farmantibiotics.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Improving-udder-quality-traits-in-sows-to-aid-survival-health-and-lifetime-performance-of-piglets.pdf;

Country: UK

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5 experiments to show you the importance of udder traits of sows in raising healthy piglets.

8 Antimicrobial usage in pig production check improve and reduce in Belgium and the EU (Research paper Postma 2016)

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8 Research paper
Antimicrobial usage in pig production : check, improve and reduce in Belgium and the EU (A DISSERTATION) by Postma, M. 2016 Antimicrobial usage in pig production : check, improve and reduce in Belgium and the EU : 306p.
Significant Impact Group(s): Biosecurity ; Prudent use AB
Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Reduced AMU; reduced costs on medicines; improved animal health and increased production
Summary: High antimicrobial usage (AMU) and the threat of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) highlighted the need for reduced AMU in pig production. Prevention of disease is necessary to obtain a reduced need for AM treatment. This study aimed at assessing possible associations between the biosecurity level, AMU and farm and production characteristics in order to advise on best practices for achieveing low AMU and maximum animal health and production. The research involved 227 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden in 2012/2013. 1) Establish a consensus defined daily dose animal (DDDA) for each active substance (AS) and administration route for porcine veterinary antimicrobial (AM) products authorized in four European countries, thus allowing cross-country quantification and comparison of antimicrobial usage (AMU) data. All veterinary AM products authorized for porcine use in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden were listed for each administration route. First, separate DDDAs for each product were defined based on the recommended dosing for the main indication. Second, a consensus DDDA was established by taking the mean of the DDDAs for each product within a certain category of AS plus administration route. Large variations were observed for dosage and treatment duration recommendations between products and between countries for the same ASs. Only 6.8% of feed/water and 29.4% of parenteral AS groups had the same recommended dosage in the four countries. Four major recommendations have been formulated: (i) urgent need for harmonization of authorization and recommended summary of product characteristics (SPC) dosages; (ii) expand the developed preliminary DDDA list to include all authorized veterinary medicinal products in all EU member states and for all (food-producing) animal species; (iii) improved accessibility of country-specific SPC data would be preferable; and (iv) statement of the ‘long-acting’ duration of a product in the SP. 2) Nineteen alternatives to antimicrobial (AM) agents were ranked on perceived effectiveness, feasibility and return on investment (ROI) by 111 pig health experts from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden and Switzerland. Analysis showed that veterinary practitioners rank internal biosecurity, vaccination, use of zinc/metals, feed quality optimization and climate/environmental on average highest, while researchers and professors focused more on increased use of diagnostics and action plans. Financial incentives/penalties ranked low in all countries. Belgian respondents ranked feed quality significantly lower compared to the German respondents while reduction of stocking density was ranked higher in Belgium compared to Denmark. Further analysis showed veterinary practitioners
had a preference for more practical, common and already known alternatives. The results showed that improvements in biosecurity, increased use of vaccination, use of zinc/metals, feed quality improvement and regular diagnostic testing combined with a clear action plan were perceived to be the most promising alternatives to AMs in industrial pig production based on combined effectiveness, feasibility and ROI. 3) This study aimed at assessing the levels of implementation of biosecurity measures in pig production in four European Union (EU) countries . A cross-sectional study was conducted in 232 farrow-to-finish pig herds in Belgium, France, Germany and Sweden between 2012-2013. The biosecurity status in each
of these herds was described and quantified by using the risk-based scoring tool Biocheck.UGent (www.biocheck.ugent.be). Production and management characteristics, obtained from the herd management system and by interviewing the farmer, were analysed for their association with the biosecurity level. The results showed that there was substantial room
for improvement in the biosecurity status on many pig farms. Significant differences (p<0.01) both in internal and external biosecurity levels were observed between countries. The external biosecurity status, combining all measures taken to prevent disease introduction into the herd, was highest in Germany and lowest in France. The number of pathogens vaccinated against was significantly associated with internal biosecurity status, suggesting an overall more preventive approach towards the risk of disease transmission. A
higher external biosecurity was associated with more weaned piglets per sow per year.

8 Research paper – Postma – 2016 – Antimicrobial usage in pig production_check, improve and reduce in Belgium and the EU

Where to find the original material:
https://biblio.ugent.be/publication/7222359;
Country: BE

 

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Check improve and reduce. Prevention of disease is necessary to obtain a reduced need for AM treatment. This study aimed at assessing possible associations between the biosecurity level, AMU and farm and production characteristics in order to advise on best practices for achieveing low AMU and maximum animal health and production.

7 Reducing Antimicrobial Usage in Pig Production without Jeopardizing Production Parameters (Research paper, Postma et al., 2017)

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7 Research paper
Reducing Antimicrobial Usage in Pig Production without Jeopardizing Production Parameters by Postma, M., Vanderhaeghen, W., Sarrazin, S., Maes, D., and J. Dewulf 2017 Zoonoses and public health 64: 63-74
Significant Impact Group(s): Biosecurity ; Prudent use AB

Species targeted: Pigs;
Age: Young; Adult;
Outcome Parameter(s): Decreased AMU; Improved animal health so less disease and increased production; reduced costs on medicines so economical savings
Summary: This study evaluated the extent to which antimicrobial use (AMU) could be reduced in pig production by focusing on herd health, disease prevention and AMU. Their research involved 61 Flemish pig herds and included three visits per herd. During the visits, information was gathered on herd management, biosecurity status using the Biocheck.UGentTM tool, vaccinations, anthelmintic therapy and AMU. This info was then translated into a herd‐specific action plan which was discussed with the farmer and veterinarian/advisor during the visits. Significant improvements in biosecurity combined with additional vaccination, anthelmintic therapy and responsible AMU was seen. There was a 52% reduction in AMU in pigs from birth – slaughter. Increased biosecurity and decreased AMU were combined with increased numbers of weaned piglets per sow per year (+1.1), daily weight gain (+5.9 g/day) and mortality in the finisher period (−0.6%). Guided interventions as a team effort between farmer, veterinarians/advisors has shown to be a promising method in the reduction of AMU in pig production. Antimicrobial usage (AMU) has been described to be high in pig production. Although farmers are aware of the high usage, little is known about intervention to improve the situation. This study evaluated the extent to which AMU could be reduced in pig production by the optimization of herd management, biosecurity status, vaccination strategy, anthelmintic therapy and advice on prudent AMU. Furthermore, the effects of these interventions on the herd production results were explored. This intervention study was conducted on 61 Flemish pig herds and included three visits per herd. During the initial visit, information was gathered on herd management, biosecurity status (quantified by means of the Biocheck.UGentTM risk‐based scoring system), vaccination strategy, anthelmintic therapy and AMU. This info was then translated into a herd‐specific action plan which was discussed with the farmer and herd veterinarian/other advisors during the second visit. In the final herd visit (±8 months later), comparable data were obtained to evaluate the progress. Overall, a significant improvement of 2.4 points external and 7 points internal biosecurity on the herds was obtained, combined with additional vaccination, anthelmintic therapy and prudent AMU. This was accompanied by a significant reduction in the AMU with a decrease of 52% for the pigs from birth till slaughter and 32% for breeding animals, based on treatment incidences (TIs) and included an important reduction in the use of critically important antimicrobials. More importantly, the increased biosecurity levels and decreased AMU were combined with significantly improved technical results such as the number of weaned piglets per sow per year
(+1.1), daily weight gain (+5.9 g/day) and mortality in the finisher period (−0.6%). Guided interventions as a team effort of farmer and herd veterinarian/other advisors have shown to be a promising method in the reduction of AMU in pig production.
7 Research paper – Postma – 2017 – Reducing Antimicrobial Usage in Pig Production without Jeopardizing Production Parameters Where to find the original material:
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/zph.12283; https://doi.org/10.1111/zph.12283
Country: BE

 

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If combined, biosecurity principles, vaccination strategy, antihelmintic treatment and antimicrobial usage, along with a well-trained field team, the antimicrobial usage in general could be reduce and still obtain the set-out production parameters.

Vaccination: a way to reduce the consumption of antibiotics in poultry

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The outbreaks of infectious diseases, especially infectious bronchitis, infectious bursitis, Newcastle disease, and others decreases the overall flock health, in some instances animals must be culled or it might increase the necessity to use antibiotics because of secondary bacterial infection activation. Vaccination is the most effective animal health intervention to prevent dangerous infectious disease outbreaks, decrease overall mortality, economic losses, and antibiotic consumption.

Vaccines in poultry can be applied via drinking water, food, spray, or injection. To ensure a vaccine will provide a desired effect, they have to be stored properly based on the manufacture’s recommendations.

If vaccines are administered via the drinking water line, the line has to be flushed in order to reduce bacterial biofilms and algae formation on its walls. In most cases, appropriate water/vaccine dilution has to be acquired based on the producer’s recommendations. When the correct vaccine dilution for a particular group is prepared, it can be added to an automatic dispenser which is connected to the drinking line. Ensure that the birds do drink the vaccine at the time specified in instruction. For vaccine application via spray attenuate (dilute) the vaccine according to producer or your veterinarian’s instructions and according to your herd needs. Place the prepared working solution in the nebulizer. To improve vaccine correct intake, adjust the droplet size to reach the target tissues. The vaccine should be sprayed systematically and evenly so that each chick receives its dose, but without causing undue stress to the chickens. Check broiler health status after vaccination.

Sheep wellbeing – a holistic approach to management

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The wellbeing of livestock requires a holistic approach to management.  One UK Superfine Merino wool grower demonstrates excellent sheep husbandry that goes above and beyond minimum standards.  

Firstly, biosecurity – keeping a closed flock, breeding all replacements on farm and strict biosecurity measures for any farm visitor (i.e., vets/shearers/hauliers). The flock are certified Scrapie–free and Maedi Visna accredited, which demands a better price for the wool but this poses challenges finding breeding animals of equal status.  

The sheep are housed in any wet weather limiting damage to the fleece, which is the farm’s main product. The sheds are large, airy, with plenty of bedding and space in the pens, and even toys for the sheep to interact and play with when housed. The opportunity to play and space to socialise with (or avoid) certain flock members are important aspects to sheep wellbeing.  

The flock is of high genetic merit and the farmer uses embryo transfer (ET) to maximise the genetic potential and performance of her sheep. They cope well with the steep land and have little issue with their feet – there is not even any detectable footrot on farm. This is attributed to not buying in stock and not trimming feet or footbathing. To ensure their wellbeing, natural mating still occurs alongside artificial mating, which recognises the need for rams to mate. 

To facilitate correct dosing when using anthelmintics, the farmer makes use of a weigh crush that is built into a race and handling system. Here she can automatically identify individuals by electronic ear tags, record weights and administer medicines. The handling system reduces stress for workers and sheep. Handling the flock calmly, quietly and with compassion are key elements to good stockperson-ship.  

Disease management on a dairy farm: Testing, Vaccinating, Culling, and Keeping a Closed Herd

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Managing and preventing disease on a dairy farm is a continuous effort. A UK farmer shares his key strategies for optimizing his herd’s health in this video Optimising herd health – Managing disease  

The first key measure is to run a closed herd – no cattle are brought onto the farm, not even bulls. This is even more important in this part of England due to endemic Bovine Tuberculosis (TB). Using farm software, the farmer can mark out cows that have had an Inconclusive Result (IR) for TB and ensure they are not bred from and do not stay on the farm long, potentially spreading disease.  

Leptospirosis – a zoonotic disease that can infect humans – has also been an issue in the past so all adult cows and heifers are vaccinated for this every February before turnout. Another infectious disease that affects many dairy farms in Europe is Bovine Viral Diarrhoea virus (BVD). After 2 years of BVD testing calves through the Tag and Test system and blood testing heifers, this farm is now on the national BVD eradication scheme and registered as free from BVD but continuously monitoring via bulk milk tank tests.  They do not vaccinate against BVD currently, but care is taken to keep a barrier between their cattle and neighboring cattle due to BVD outbreaks on neighboring farms. The final disease that this farmer is acting upon is Johnes. After a recent clinical case (tip of the iceberg!), this farm has been more vigilant to Johnes and test the whole herd twice yearly. Affected cows are culled out but are often the poor performing animals anyway showing more lameness, high cell counts or poor fertility. 

Health management and welfare of young dairy animals – impact on antibiotic use

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Good husbandry practices are an important contributor to animal health on the farm. Young dairy animals that are cared for appropriately are in a better state to combat their ailments, thus reducing need for antibiotics. At the heart of all these challenges is the overall benefit of keeping calves feeling well.  The International Dairy Federation has developed a set of health recommendations regarding the welfare of young dairy animals to minimise the use of antimicrobials. Calving areas should have high standards of hygiene, be sheltered, and have appropriate bedding. An appropriate birthing plan should consider issues such as choice of sire; safe birthing facilities; and regular checking of animals to ensure prompt, experienced help is available if needed. Newborn dairy animals must receive adequate colostrum, both quantity and quality. The frequency of inspection of stock will depend on the circumstances and management systems. More than one daily inspection is particularly important in the case of animals close to giving birth, newborn, and newly weaned calves. If disbudding is performed, should be done before 2 months of age and follow appropriate birthing and weaning practices. Calves should not be offered for sale until they are sufficiently hardy to be transported. Adequate body weight and dry navel are good indicators. Appropriate transport conditions stipulated in national welfare regulations or codes of practice should be followed. 

Best practice recommendations regarding biosecurity and boars

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On many breeding farms, a search boar is used for good oestrus stimulation in the sows. However, this activity also carries risks. 

Direct contact between animals is the most effective way to transmit disease. With the oestrus stimulation the boar walks in front of and/or behind the sows and direct contact is possible. It is therefore important that the boar does not transmit disease to the sows and gilts. In general, it is advisable to buy animals from a farm that has at least the same health status, but preferably higher. These farms are free of a number of diseases and this reduces the chance of disease introduction. When an animal is purchased, it must be placed in quarantine upon arrival. The incubation period of a disease (the time between infection and the appearance of the first symptoms) determines the quarantine period. In general, a minimum quarantine period of four weeks is advised, but it is safer to apply a longer period, e.g. six to eight weeks. In addition to the prevention of disease introduction, the newly purchased animals can also adapt to the farm during the quarantine period and receive the necessary vaccinations (adaptation period). It is advised to administer the same vaccinations to boars and sows.  

In order to keep the boar sufficiently active, mating can be allowed occasionally. However, sperm can also be a risk for disease introduction. This also applies when new genetics are introduced to the farm by artificial insemination.  

Conclusions: 

  1. Buy animals from a farm with the same or higher health status. 
  1. When purchasing animals, maintain a quarantine period of at least four weeks 
  1. Vaccinate the boar together with the sows 

Best practice recommendations regarding cleaning and disinfection

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A thorough cleaning and disinfection protocol is needed to control infectious diseases. Hygiene is equally important for keeping your animals healthy. A proper cleaning and disinfection protocol will reduce the infection pressure. A clean area provides the ideal conditions for healthy animals to live and grow. 

Ideally, a cleaning and disinfection protocol consists of seven steps. It only starts after the removal of animals. 

  1. Dry cleaning

Organic material (faeces, dust, soil) present in the stables/houses should be removed as much as possible. If this step is not performed well, the other steps will already be jeopardized. 

  1. Soaking of all surfaces

Soaking of the surfaces with detergent will loosen the remaining dirt. 

  1. High-pressure cleaning

All foam from the previous step will be removed by cleaning with water under high pressure. Start from the top of the building and work your way down. Don’t forget drinkers and feed troughs. 

  1. Drying

Let the stable/house dry out completely before moving on to the disinfection step. Otherwise, the disinfectant will be diluted and thus less effective. 

  1. Disinfection

Disinfection will further reduce the load of infectious agents. The instructions of the manufacturer must be followed carefully. 

  1. Drying

Make sure the buildings are completely dry before allowing animals to enter. This will ensure the animals cannot come into contact with remaining pools of disinfectant.  

  1. Efficacy testing

Finally, in order to check whether your hard work has paid off, test the efficacy of your procedure by sampling different surfaces. 

 

It is important to perform the steps mentioned above in all animal houses!