Weekly livestock news: July 31, 2023

Vietnam approves African swine fever vaccines for commercial use

Vietnam has approved the domestic commercial use of two home-grown vaccines against African swine fever, the government has reported, making them the world’s first commercial vaccines against the disease. The vaccines include NAVET-ASFVAC, co-developed by Navetco Central Veterinary Medicine and scientists from the United States, and AVAC ASF LIVE, developed by AVAC Vietnam JSC. The approval of the vaccines could pave the way for possible sales abroad—a major breakthrough to tackle the deadly animal disease that regularly ravages pig farms worldwide. African swine fever has disrupted the $250 billion global pork market for years. In the worst outbreak in 2018-2019, about half the domestic pig population died in China, the world’s biggest producer, causing losses estimated at over $100 billion, Reuters reports.

Preventive PRRSV treatment could save U.S. farmers millions

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome viruses cause significant damage to pig farms worldwide every year. In the United States alone, PRRSV infections cost farmers an estimated $664 million annually. Currently there is no effective treatment or prevention for the disease, but a group of University of Connecticut-led researchers hopes that changes soon. The team recently identified a series of small molecules that could serve as an effective preventative treatment for PRRSV. Small molecules are much easier and cheaper to produce and store, a great advantage for a product that would potentially need to be mass-produced for farmers on a global scale. Small molecules could also be added to pig feed to inoculate pigs en masse, rather than having to individually vaccinate thousands of piglets.

Longhorned ticks pose threat to Missouri livestock

Researchers at the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine have recently discovered invasive longhorned ticks in Boone County, Missouri, for the first time. Longhorned ticks have caused the loss of millions of dollars in agricultural revenue to livestock producers worldwide and remain a potential looming problem for cattle health in mid-Missouri. This tick species can also potentially transmit a variety of pathogens to humans. While most ticks reproduce traditionally, female longhorned ticks can lay thousands of eggs asexually, or without the help of a male, making it easier for the species to quickly establish itself in new areas. Missouri livestock producers who notice weakness, tiredness, jaundice or pregnancy loss in their cattle are advised to contact their local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory for assistance tracking down the causes of the symptoms.

Farm animal showcases present risk of swine flu spread

Outbreaks of zoonotic diseases, which can spread between animals and humans, have become more frequent in recent decades. Since 2011, there have been more confirmed human cases of swine flu in the United States than anywhere else in the world. In 2012, a major swine flu outbreak caused more than 300 confirmed human cases; researchers found evidence that the virus had jumped from pigs to people during at least seven different Ohio fairs. Fairs give a chance for pigs to shed virus in large numbers, and they also bring large crowds of people in contact with the animals. Researchers have found that pigs often infect one another at mass weigh-ins, leading some to move away from that trend, The New York Times reports.

Maine animal health experts warn chicken owners to protect flocks from extreme heat

The combination of high temperatures, humidity and low air quality is posing a triple threat this summer for chickens throughout the state of Maine, the Bangor Daily News reports. Chickens have a high body temperature (104-107 degrees), do not sweat and are insulated with feathers, making it difficult to dissipate heat. The current weather conditions have increased their risk of heat stress, respiratory problems, disease and parasitic infections. Animal health experts in Maine say it’s crucial for poultry owners to take steps to keep their flocks healthy and safe, including providing access to clean, fresh water and shade. Any form of shade will do for chickens looking to escape the heat.

SoundByte: Prascend from Boehringer Ingelheim

Prascend (pergolide tablets) has led to clinical improvement in horses with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction, or PPID, according to manufacturer Boehringer Ingelheim. Three out of four horses evaluated were considered treatment successes, the company says. Find out more in the SoundByte from Veterinary Advantage.