During the second module, speakers focused on two main issues — enteric diseases of pigs, approaches to their diagnosis, and reproductive diseases of pigs.
In his presentation, Justin Brown, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, University of Iowa, emphasized that gastrointestinal pathogens can never be identified by the consistency, color and odor of feces — such clinical signs can be a clue to the diagnosis. The age of the pig is also important, as depending on the age group, it is possible to determine which pathogen may be more pronounced or not, but laboratory tests are necessary for a correct diagnosis.
The same opinion was supported by Tomasz Trela, PhD, member of the American Association of Veterinarians (Poland), who also emphasized that it is worth paying attention not only to the clinical symptoms of intestinal infections, but also to auxiliary factors such as hygiene, feeding, animal housing and care. He also emphasized the monitoring of gastrointestinal infections, which should be a regular practice of controlling and preventing gastrointestinal disorders in modern pig production.
In turn, Dmytro Masyuk, Doctor of Veterinary Sciences, Professor, Director of the Research Center for Biosafety and Environmental Control of Agricultural Resources of the State Agricultural Academy of Ukraine «Biosafety Center» explained the comprehensive diagnosis of pig gastrointestinal diseases, namely, which specific samples for which pathogens of intestinal diseases should be taken. He also focused on the barrier function of the intestine, as understanding the mechanisms of control and strengthening the barrier function helps to prevent infection in pigs. The speaker shared information on the spread of resistant strains of E. Coli and Salmonella at Ukrainian enterprises in case of incorrect use of antibiotics.
The next module of the veterinary school is scheduled for June 27. It will focus on typical diseases of sows and piglets in the suckling period. Follow the updates in the news feed!
The training of veterinary medicine specialists of pig farms is carried out within the framework of the project "Ensuring Animal Health in Ukraine", which is implemented by the Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders together with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program of the veterinary school consists of five modules, each of which contains four presentations on related topics. Teaching materials are prepared by leading domestic and foreign experts. Participants who pass the full course of training will receive certificates.
The Association of Ukrainian Pig Breeders is a non-profit, voluntary organization founded by domestic pork producers. The main purposes of the association are representation and protection of rights and interests of farms of the association, assistance in development and introduction of new technologies for efficient production of pork, expansion of sales markets, and protection of domestic sales market.
