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Detection and early diagnosis of swine diseases are essential for timely health intervention. For example, it can help reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR), which occurs when microorganisms change when exposed to antimicrobial resistance. AMR increases the risk of disease spread and represents a public health problem worldwide. Inadequate diagnosis of diseases in farm animals is one of the principal causes of the development of AMR. For this reason, timely and adequate diagnosis of diseases represents one of the main strategies for preventing AMR. Recent evidence suggests that pig producers in Colombia do not have access to the infrastructure or diagnostic services available in the country. This article characterizes and identifies the main barriers to access to the diagnostic services network and quantifies their relevance. knowledge, attitudes, perceptions, behaviors and practices associated with the diagnosis of diseases and the use of antibiotics in pig farms in the country were first qualitatively characterized. Then, a complementary natural language analysis was performed to provide complementary evidence for the definition of the barriers. Finally, the importance of each of these needs was quantified. The study identified 11 groups of access barriers in categories related to lack of knowledge, economic aspects, and accessibility, among others. The results suggest that the barriers related to training have the highest importance for the producers. The barriers identified can support the formulation of public policies at the local and inter-institutional levels for adopting available diagnostic services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Porcine proliferative enteropathy (PPE) is a disease that can occur in pigs asymptomatically, being an underdiagnosed pathology in the swine sector, and generating economic losses for production. The histopathological analysis of the ileum allows to determine the severity of structural damage caused by Lawsonia intracellularis. Therefore, this research seeks to describe the histopathological findings on pigs positive to L. intracellularis by Warthin-Starry staining in swine production in San Pedro de los Milagros, Antioquia. During the second quarter of the year 2013, ileum samples were taken from 61 swine slaughtered from the production. These samples were classified for macroscopic and microscopic evaluation, using for the latter one Hematoxylin-Eosin staining to evaluate the lesions, and the Warthin Starry staining was used to visualize the bacteria. In the macroscopic evaluation, 87.14% of the samples were compatible with lesions caused by L. intracellularis. Of these samples, 64.28% showed intestinal adenomatosis, 11.42% showed proliferative hemorrhagic enteropathy, 10% showed regional ileitis, and 1.42% necrotic enteritis. In the microscopic evaluation, 88.52% of the samples presented inflammation of the lamina propria, 80.33% showed enterocyte hyperplasia and 65.57% showed glandular ramifications. The presence of the bacteria using Warthin-Starry staining was found in 95% of the samples. It is concluded that the histopathological analysis of the ileum using Hematoxylin-Eosin staining suggests the presence of infection in the herd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of domesticated animals, particularly pigs, as reservoirs of leptospirosis in the province of Camaguey. The sera from 2 617 equines, 1 820 pigs, 75 ovines and caprine, and 69 canines in Camaguey were analyzed by microagglutination. Serovars Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Ballum, Australis, Pomona and Tarassovi were used as antigens for horses, pigs and dogs; whereas Icterohaemorrhagiae, Canicola, Ballum, Pomona, Hebdomadis and Sejroe were used for bovines and ovine-caprine. The variable studied was reactor proportion per species. The inclusion of Hardjo, Bratislava, Sejroe and Grippotyphosa for serum screenings in swine contributed to better understanding of the species as reservoir of Leptospirosis in the province. Due to the growing number of these animals in urban adjacent areas, this result is a warning of the underlying risk of epidemics transmitted to humans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The causes for confiscation of swine livers, kidneys and hearts at a slaughter house from the Meat Company in the province of Ciego de Avila, Cuba, were determined. The evaluation comprised 90 913 animals. The main causes of condemnation were the so called milk spots and cysticercosis in the liver, parasitic lesions produced by Stephanurus dentatus, and others in the kidneys, such as renal cysts, contamination and nephritis, and the occurrence of pericarditis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupric sulfate has been used as growth promoter in swine productions for a long time instead of the ecological risks involved. The paper had the objective of evaluating the effect of cooper as inductor of antibiotic-resistance in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli. The reference strains A-1 (O149: K91: K88ac) and E68-I (O141: K85: K88ab) were cultivated on Mueller-Hinton Agar plates following the gradient concentration technique with ranges increased weekly from 5 till 50 mg/mL of CuSO4. Both bacteria were streaked during three weeks in parallel to controls cultured in pure medium without the inductor. At the end of the experiment the sensibility of bought groups to Gentamicin, Kanamycin, Tetracycline, Chloramphenicol, Carbenicilin and Nalidix Acid was measured. The variants treated with cooper exhibited halos referred as resistant to the antibiotics evaluated instead all the controls were sensitive. The results demonstrated the capability of cooper to develop bacterial antibiotic-resistance in vitro, another trait to be considered by producers when salts of this metal are used as growth promoters, because together with its ecological damage a lose in the effectiveness of antimicrobials employed in human and veterinary chemotherapy is developed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cupric sulfate has been used as growth promoter in swine productions for a long time instead of the ecological risks involved. The aim of this paper was evaluating the in vitro behavior of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli to increasing concentrations of copper. Six strains and two of references were used A-1 (O149: K91: K88ac) and E68-I (O141: K85: K88ab), and four isolated from calves with colibacilosis. This strain were cultivated on Mueller-Hinton Agar plates following the gradient concentration technique with ranges increased weekly from 5 till 50 mg/mL of CuSO4. The experiment lasted three weeks. All strains developed a high metal tolerance, although there was a better fit in the initial contacts in two of the wild strains. Tolerance in A-1 case may be determined by biofilm formation; this phenomenon is an important virulence factor in bacterial infectious processes and it's another trait to be considered by producers when salts of this metal are used as growth promoters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Classical Swine Fever (CSF), also recognized as hog cholera, is among the diseases with high transboundary spreading potential and economic impact for swine breeders of all the sectors. Despite the efforts for its control since its re-emergence in 1993, the disease endemic behavior observed motivated development of a protein subunit E2 vaccine candidate (VE2) to support the disease eradication, in view of the easy differentiation of infected from vaccinated pigs. After successful preclinical assays, the VE2 efficacy was evaluated in a herd of complete productive cycle with more than 5 000 pigs under routine vaccination with a live attenuated vaccine (Chinese Strain), but with reports of sporadic outbreaks of the disease. Monitoring of the serological response was carried out by the neutralization peroxidase-linked assay (NPLA) in different phases of the productive cycle of three animal groups (serum profiles), from litter to fattener, at 12 weeks interval for one year. High percentages of positive animals with titters considered as protective (≥ 1:100) were observed, supporting a satisfactory humoral response at population level. Likewise, the fatteners positive to the Direct Immunoperoxidase (DIP) in tonsils decreased at the slaughterhouse during the study period. The favorable evolution of herd health status after VE2 vaccination led to higher productive levels. The preliminary results obtained favorably support the VE2 performance in field conditions, despite the challenge of the virus circulation favored by the disease endemic condition and other pathogen presence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of native multipurpose microorganisms was assessed as a therapeutical choice in Yorkshire pigs with newborn colibacillosis. The morbidity and mortality data from the period June-October, 2012 were processed. They were kindly provided by Camujiro Swine Center, in Camagüey, Cuba. After the therapy, 89.8 % of the animals recovered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A two-year-old male Duroc Jersey pig with 250 kg body-weight presented a swollen mass tissue of hard consistency in the ventral side of the neck skin fold and severe inflammation at the tarsal joint of the right hind limb. The Gram-positive bacteria Trueperella (Arcanobacterium) pyogenes was isolated in pure culture by microbiological methods and was sensitive to several antibiotics including Gentamicin and Sulfa-trimethoprim. The abscesses were drained and the pig treated with sulfa-trimethoprim at 20 mg/kg for 5 d and later with gentamicin at 5 mg/kg for 5 d together with anti-inflammatory drugs. The abscesses re-emerged and the pig was sacrificed and the anatomo-pathological findings at necropsy recorded. T. pyogenes caused severe suppurative arthritis and cutaneous abscesses in a pig, suggesting the need of surveillance and rapid diagnostics methods in the Tolima pig industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru is the property of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cysticercosis by Taenia solium metacestode affects pigs, giving ground for meat confiscation. Composting is an alternative disposition method for confiscated carcasses and other animal debris, inactivating and destroying pathogens in the carcasses. In this study, composting was evaluated as a method to inactivate T. solium metacestodes. Seven compost cone-shaped piles were built, and three depth-zones were defined within them. Each zone was divided into 4 subzones, and a portion of contaminated meat was introduced into each subzone. Meat was sampled at 24, 36, 48, and 72 h and tested for evagination in vitro. The maximum required time for cysticercus inactivation was 48 h. Meat was incorporated to compost after 7 days. No significant differences were found in cysticercus inactivation among the compost zones (P > 0.05), but significant differences were found with respect to the outside. Therefore, all zones were regarded equally effective to inactivate viable T. solium cysticerci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru is the property of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective. To detect the presence of antibodies to leptospira sp in pigs that didn't show clinical symptoms, of swine production farms located throughout Argentina. Materials and methods. The location of farms and samples were chosen in proportion to those recorded in each province covering the whole country. The number of farms studied was 1,524, with 19,872 serum samples. This study takes into consideration areas identified by provinces, municipalities and properties. In the first phase 3,631 sera were processed and analyzed by MAT (microscopic agglutination test). Results. The 30% of the samples tested were positive for the screening test (MAT). Most of these samples presented coagglutinins for two or three serovars. In the titration of sera, the percentage of positives was the same, the most prevalent serovars were Icterohaemorrhagiae and Castellonis. The 90% of the samples had a final titer of 1:200. Conclusions. The existence of positive sera in all provinces indicates the contact of animals with leptospira throughout the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru is the property of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron la cuantificación de circovirus porcino tipo 2 (PCV2) de virus del síndrome respiratorio y reproductivo porcino (PRRSV), así como la expresión de citocinas (IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α, e IFN-γ) en nódulos linfáticos inguina- les superficiales (NLIS) de cerdos afectados por el síndrome de desmedro posdestete (postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, PMWS) y en cerdos sanos. Con base en el diagnóstico clínico y a la cuantificación de PCV2 por hibridación in situ y qRT-PCR, los cerdos se distribuyeron en tres grupos: 1) PMWS, cerdos con signos de desmedro y con cargas virales altas en NLIS (n = 4); 2) con desmedro sin PMWS, cerdos con signos de desmedro y cargas virales de intermedias a bajas en NLIS (n = 3); y 3) cerdos sanos, sin signos clínicos y con cargas virales bajas (n = 3). El PRRSV fue detectado en tres de los cerdos afectados por el PMWS y en dos cerdos con desmedro, pero sin el síndrome. Se caracterizaron las secuencias nucleotídicas del ORF2 de los PCV2 encontrados y los análisis genéticos revelaron la presencia de 2 genotipos PCV2a y PCV2b en las granjas afectadas con el PMWS. El perfil de expresión de citocinas mostró una baja expresión de IFN-γ en los cerdos con PMWS, mientras que los cerdos con desmedro sin PMWS mostraron valores elevados de esta citocina. Estos resultados sugieren que existe un desbalance en la producción de citocinas que puede estar implicado en la patogénesis de la enfermedad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Revista de Investigaciones Veterinarias del Peru is the property of Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos (UNMSM) and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Archivos de Medicina Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

One hundred 45-day old pre-fattening swines suffering from respiratory disorders were homeopathically treated with Licopodium clavatum at 30 HC to evaluate its effectiveness. Swines were distributed into two groups of 50 individuals each. Group I received five sublingual drops of L. clavatum at 30 HC every 12 hours the first day, and every 24 hours the six remaining days. Group II was administered intramusculary diluted tetracycline at a dose of 4 mg/kg weight every 12 hours for 7 days. No significant differences related to animal recovery and respiratory frequency were found. Comparisons of appetite and body temperature (chi-square test) showed significant differences (P < 0,05) between both groups. Swines under homeopathic therapy displayed a better response to treatment. Therefore, homeopathic treatment is not only a better therapy, but also more economical one than conventional treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effectiveness of Phosphorus at 30 HC was assessed in ninety pre-fattening swine with bloody diarrhea to reduce medication with antimicrobial agents. The experiment was conducted at the cooperative collective venture "El Ocujal" in Camagüey province. A phase-II, open, non-sequential, randomized clinical trial was performed. Swines were distributed into two groups. Animals from the first group received five sublingual drops of Phosphorus at 30 HC for five days (every 12 hours the first days, and every 24 hours the remaining days) and 100-300 ml intraperitoneal Ringer's solution for the first three days according to dehydration degree. Swines from the second group received the same dose of Ringer's solution and gentamycin at 20 % (1 mg/kg liveweight) orally administered every 12 hours for five days. Comparisons of clinical evolution, dehydration levels, appetite, and temperature (by Chi-square test and ANOVA) exhibited significant differences (P < 0,05) between both groups. Swines homoeopathically treated displayed a better response; therefore, Phosphorus at 30 HC proved its efficacy compared to traditional therapy. It is also more economic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Admission of a swine infected by hog cholera on a swine breeding farm was simulated to demonstrate this disease outbreak performance when no restraining or preventive measures are affected. The SEIR model (susceptivity, exposure, infestation, and restoration) was applied by using the computer program R and the statistical package Odesolve. The study was conducted during January 2011. A transmissibility index of 0,35, a disease duration of ten days, and a latent period of ten days were set. The SEIR model showed how this disease peaked after a twelve-day onset with a total of 127 infected swines, i.e., 63 % of the exposed population, when no measures were affected. The basic reproductive number (Ro) was 3,26. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptococcus suis is a facultative anaerobic coccus considered an important agent associated to meningitis, arthritis, endocarditis and pneumonia. In this work, the isolation of S. suis from different clinical conditions such as pneumonia, joint and tonsil in asymptomatic animals was carried out. Fourteen strains of S. suis were identified: 11 from lungs, 2 from abscess and 1 from tonsils. The strains showed different pattern of biochemistry test. The syl gene codifying for suylisin was detected by PCR only in 5 strains, four coming from lung and one from tonsil. However, in the isolations from abscess and associated to arthritis, the presence of this gene was not detected showing a similar behaviour to the strains from North America (syl - ) associated to invasive disease [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Archivos de Medicina Veterinaria is the property of Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Pasteurella multocida is part of the commensal flora in the upper respiratory tract of pigs. Usually, P. multocida type A strains are associated to pneumonia in grower pigs and the ones from serotype D encode for a 145 kDa toxin associated to progressive rhinitis. Thirty Pasteurella multocida strains isolated in Cuba from swine samples with respiratory signs were identified and characterized. All the isolates showed an amplification product of 460 pb when KMT1SP6 and KMT1T7 primers were used. Only four toxigenic strains of P. multocida were identified by PCR. These data presented revealed low frequency of toxigenic P.multocida and a higher incidence of non toxigenic P.multocida associated to pneumonie.The PCR specifically for identifing P.multocida and the specific primers for tox A gene have been used for the first time in the country from a simple colony showing its feactibility for the monitoring of toxigenic and non toxigenic P.multocida strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se trata la enfermedad Glässer en los cerdos. Se informa que la bacteria Haemophilius parasuis, que coloniza el tracto respiratorio superior, es una de las causas de la enfermedad. Se nota que los lechones en transición son el grupo más vulnerable a esta enfermedad. Se describen medidas para prevenir la apariencia de la enfermedad en una granja, así como los síntomas, manifestaciones fisiológicas y tratamiento de la enfermedad.

El artículo trata un estudio sobre la mejora en la producción de cerdos de cebo después de la vacunación con Suvaxyn M.hyo en una explotación porcina multisitio. Informa que la neumonía enzoótica (NE), que afecta el peso de los cerdos y que puede llevar al Complejo Respiratorio Porcino3, existe en la mayor parte de las producciones porcinas. El estudio mostró mejoras en todos los parámetros analizados en los cerdos vacunados.

El artículo trata modelos diseñados para prever la difusión de enfermedades porcinas en España. Informa que, dado que España es el segundo productor de carne de cerdo en la Unión Europea, la difusión de enfermedades porcinas representa una amenaza a su economía. Nota que el desarrollo de modelos predictivos resultaría útil en la evaluación de los posibles efectos de epidemias porcinas, así como el impacto potencial de medidas de intervención como el sacrificio de explotaciones.

The porcine respiratory complex is the denomination for multiple changes and lesions that result in a decreased respiratory capacity of affected pigs. It is a dynamic process which involves different factors such as environment, host and different microbial interactions between primary agents like Mycoplasma hypneumoniae or the porcine reproductive respiratory syndrome virus with Pasteurella multocida, Bordetella bronchiseptica or Streptococcus suis which act as secondary pathogens and increase the severity of the disease. These entities correspond to genera and species being part of the normal flora and the pathogenic capacity lies on different genes which are acquired by horizontal transfer, thus there are different genotypes associated or not to the pathogen. The aim of this article is to make an analysis about bacteria virulence attributes which act as secondary pathogens in the respiratory disease in pigs. It is important to consider the management and control of the farm based on biosecurity and it is necessary to have different diagnostic methods for testing bacteria virulence attributes that act as secondary agents, because nowadays vaccination program are directed to primary agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of Veratrum album as an homeopathic treatment at 6 CH (Hahnemann's centesimal dilution unit) for diarrhea due to Escherichia coli infection was determined and its administration cost was estimated by sampling 80 piglets from 3 to 15 days old and 1 kg average initial weight. Hemoglobin, leukocyte number, weaning weight, appetite, and temperature were also determined. Piglets were distributed into two groups with 40 individuals each. The testing group was administered five sublingual drops of Veratrum album at 6 CH per animal every eight hours the first day, and every twelve hours from the second up to the fifth day. The above mentioned hematological parameters were evaluated before and after treatment. Significant differences (P<0,05) were detected in weaning weight (variance analysis), hematological parameters, appetite, and temperature (Chi-square test) between both groups, though a better health recovery was exhibited by the piglets under treatment. The homeopathic treatment proved to be highly efficient and economical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo categoriza y describe en detalle los criterios a seguir para la eliminación de cerdas reproductoras improductivas. Considera los criterios basados en cuestiones productivas, de salud, y parámetros sanitarios. También se indican algunas recomendaciones para aumentar la longevidad de las cerdas.

El artículo trata el Síndrome Respiratorio y Reproductivo Porcino (PRRS por sus siglas en inglés). Informa que los sistemas inmunológicos de los cerdos tienen una capacidad innata de resistir las enfermedades, a pesar de las condiciones frecuentemente poco sanitarias en que viven en las explotaciones y granjas. Explica que el PRRS destruye los macrófagos, que permite la aparición de infecciones oportunistas, y que tiene la capacidad de mutarse continuamente.

El artículo describe y evalúa los beneficios de un sistema de separación temprana de los lechones de sus madres. Considera el principio ISOWEAN (isolated weaning) que propone la crianza de lechones que estén exentos de agentes patógenos luego del destete. Se indican las características del sistema y se comparan los índices técnicos de los lechones destetados mediante Isowean con aquellos destetados convencionalmente.

El artículo discute las maneras de controlar la salmonelosis porcina y la importancia de ese tema para la política europea. Se habla de los programas necesarias para mejorar la sanidad e higiene de los animales en un intento de reducir la prevalencia de la salmonella. Se incluye detalles sobre como usar una dieta en los cerdos en reducir la prevalencia del problema.

Effectiveness of Mercurius solubilis at 30 CH (Hahnemann's centesimal dose) as a homeopathic treatment versus conventional therapy with antimicrobials was evaluated in 180 piglets suffering from yellowish white diarrhea. An open, non-sequential, randomized phase II clinical test was performed. Piglets were distributed into three groups according to treatment: (1) 0,6 ml of 20 % oral gentamycin for seven days; (2) five sublingual drops of Mercurius solubilis at 30 CH for seven days, and (3) five sublingual drops of Mercurius solubilis the first three days and 0.6 ml of 20 % oral gentamycin the other four days. A significant difference (P<0,05) favoring piglets recovery by the homeopathic treatment was detected, which proved to be more effective and economical than the conventional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effectiveness of Chamomilla vulgaris at 30 CH (Hahnemann's centesimal dose as a homeopathic treatment) versus conventional therapy with antimicrobials was evaluated in 180 pre-fattening swines suffering from diarrhea containing undigested food. An open, non-sequential, randomized phase II clinical test was performed. Swines were distributed into three groups according to treatment : (1) five sublingual drops of Chamomilla vulgaris at 30 CH for seven days; (2) 0,5 % IM Metronidazole for seven days, and (3) five sublingual drops of distilled water (placebo) for the first three days and, 0,5 % IM Metronidazole for the other days. A significant difference (P<0,05) was detected in swines recovery by the homeopathic treatment, which also proved to be more effective and economical than the conventional therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Escherichia coli strain showing K88 fimbria provoke the highest number of coli infections in newborn piglets around the world. Three serologically different K88 fimbria have been identified: K88ab, K88ac and K88 ad. Letter "a" refers to common epitopes carried by every serotype, while "b", "c", and "d" refer to epitopes having a specific serotype. Several monoclonal antibodies mostly joining to conformational epitopes present in region "a" from K88 fimbria were obtained. No matter the different conditions used for immunization, "a" continued being immunodominant. Antibodies obtained from this region showed two different epitopes at least. The monoclonal antibodies could be used designing diagnosis systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research was carried out taking into account the results from a survey to swine private breeders in Ciego de Avila and Camaguey cities. Data were processed by means of a rate analysis and also graphically projected. Both city private breeders, respectively, agreed that fattening is the commonest activity performed (72 and 62 %), creole swine is exploited in a highest extent (66 and 52 %), Yorkshire is the most profitable breed (52 and 50 %), breeding average amounts over seven animals (24 and 44 %), fattening cycle ranges from 7 to 10 months (76 and 54 %), while swine weight varies from 30 to 40 kg (26 to 34 %), age at initial fattening from 2 to 3 months old (56 and 72 %), final fattening weight from 80 to 90 kg (54 % in both cities). Parasitism (82 and 86 %) and pneumonia (40 and 48 %) were the diseases reported the most. 32 and 30 % of these private breeders diagnosed themselves the above-mentioned diseases; out of them, 14 and 6 % did not apply any treatment, 28 and 10 % did not vaccinate their animals and those who did, use cholera vaccine in a higher rate (54 and 88 %). Feedlot breeding was dominant (96 and 92 %) with and average number of 2 or 3 animals in each feedlot (68 and 66 %). Water source used was primarily city aqueduct (80 and 84 %), and residuals were mostly thrown into the city sewerage (86 and 74 %). Higher mortality rates ranged from 1 to 2 animals (44 and 38 %) for Ciego de Ávila and Camagüey, respectively. Food-wastes are used for feeding more than 80 % of all swines in both cities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two acupunctural techniques as a complementary treatment to antibiotic-therapy using IM tetracycline for swine pneumonia were evaluated. Animals were distributed into three groups: a control group (A) under IM tetracycline treatment with 10 mg/kg weight daily dosis during eight days, and two experimental groups (B & C) under the same treatment, during four days, and also a complementary daily acupunctural treatment for ten minutes in four points (group B) and a catgut implant into the same four points the first day of the treatment (group C). This open non-sequential randomized phase II clinical assay was applied to 42 swines suffering from acute pneumonia. Statistical results proved the effectiveness of the treatments, even though no significant differences concerning restored swines and recidivant signs were detected. However, there were significant differences (P<0,001) between animals from groups A and C regarding final weight. Catgut implant (group C) was as effective as antibiotic-therapy and also more economical because it made possible to reduce tetraciclyne dosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Swine encephalomyocarditis (SE) was used as a model virus to study viral inactivation in the production process of a human immunoglobulin preparation for intravenous use. Two variables were selected for this: pH and temperature. Four experimental groups were prepared: acid pH (4,3) and 5 °C temperature, acid pH (4,3) and 28 °C temperature, basic pH (7,0) and 5 °C temperature and basic pH (7,0) and 28 °C temperature. In each case, to determine the rate of viral inactivation, samples were taken at different times. The best results with respect to decreasing infectivity were obtained for the samples treated with 4,3 pH and 28 °C temperature, with a total inactivation of the virus after 8 hours. In the samples treated under the other conditions, complete viral inactivation was only observed after 5 weeks. We checked that the chemical and organoleptic characteristics of the product remained unchanged during the 8 weeks the experiment lasted. We concluded that acid pH and high temperatures, as well as the incubation time are important variables in the viral inactivation kinetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

El artículo describe la experiencia con el control de la enfermedad del PRRS (síndrome reproductivo respiratorio del cerdo, por sus siglas en inglés Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) de la empresa ganadera catalana Grupo Baucell Alimentació. Se indica su estructura productiva y el estado sanitario PRRS de sus granjas, se describe el uso de diversas medidas de control de PRRS como reposición de PRRS negativa y reposición positiva con vacunación.

Se informa que el antimicrobiano Draxxin (Tulatromicina) fue aprobado por las Autoridades Sanitarias Europeas para uso contra el Complejo Respiratorio Porcino (CRP) asociado con Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida y Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. Se nota que CPR es la mayor causa de problemas para la industria porcina. Se menciona que Draxxin es el primer tipo de antimicrobianos denominados Triamilidas elaborado para la medicina veterinaria.

Se presenta información relativa al congreso de la industria porcina Europorc celebrada en la comarca de Osona en España en mayo de 2008. El congreso trató la coyuntura económica de la industria porcina, la producción en un período de crisis y casos de éxito empresarial en la industria. En particular, se presentó una ponencia sobre la enfermedad circovirosis porcina.

El artículo presenta detalles sobre la utilidad de protocolos alternativos en el tratamiento de los animales. Se discute el uso de una dosis de Ivomec Premix en la erradicación de la sarna. El estudio destacado en el artículo evalúa la eficacia del tratamiento en 50 cerdas diferentes.

El artículo discurre sobre la calidad antibacteriano y antileishmanial del medicamento Surfacen y la SP-A porcina.

Se presenta una bibliografía sobre temas relacionados con el control de las patologías de las razas porcinas.