By Dr Andrew Tucker,  CS Vet

What is Eperythrozoonosis?
Eperythrozoonosis is caused by Mycoplasma haemosuis, formerly known as Eperythrozoon suis.  M. Haemosuis locates itself on the membrane of the red blood cell. This causes the red blood cell to become quite fragile and leads to its break down. Continue Reading →

Dr Andrew Tucker, CS Vet

Ascariosis is caused by the roundworm Ascaris suum. This worm has a direct life cycle in pigs starting with ingestion of the egg. The larvae hatch and enter the mucosa in the pig’s caecum. Six hours after being ingested these larvae have already migrated to the pig’s liver where they moult and then move on to the lungs. Here they moult again and are then coughed up and swallowed by the pig. They now move down to the small intestine where they mature and will start to produce eggs which then restart the life cycle. Continue Reading →

By Dr Peter Evans, SAPPO’s health liaison officer

Definitions

Antimicrobial

An antimicrobial is a drug that selectively destroys or inhibits the growth of microorganisms. Sometimes referred to as an “antimicrobial agent”. Examples include antibiotics (also known as antibacterials) antiviral and antifungal agents. Continue Reading →

By Dr Dorothea Mostert, CS Vet

Antibiotic resistance and its link to the levels of antibiotic use in agriculture, especially in pork production, has become a global issue. It is true that worldwide, we are heading into an era where antibiotics will no longer be effective as more and more bacteria can withstand their effects. To what extent intensive protein production is to blame for this almost apocalyptic prospect, is debatable. What is not debatable is our responsibility to do the best we can to slow down the process in every way we can. Continue Reading →

Dr Andrew Tucker CS Vet

Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a small DNA virus. It is ubiquitous amongst pigs throughout the world and is endemic in most herds that have been tested. The virus spreads via oral and nasal secretions, faeces, urine, semen and products of parturition. The disease develops mainly when previously unexposed dams are exposed during the first half of gestation. The foetus or embryo is then infected across the placenta. Continue Reading →

By: Dr Andrew Tucker, CS Vet

What are haemolytic diseases of piglets?
These are diseases of suckling piglets characterised by multiple haemorrhages (bleeding under the skin) and death of the whole or part of the litter. The diseases are caused by piglets drinking colostrum containing antibodies that in effect reduce the number of platelets circulating in the piglets blood. A similar condition can also cause the piglets’ red blood cells to be broken down resulting in yellow/pale piglets.
Continue Reading →