Perception about the Major Health Challenges in Different Swine Production Stages in Spain.

Simple Summary: The Spanish swine sector has experienced continuous growth during recent years, becoming the largest pig sector in Europe and one of the largest exporters of pig meat worldwide. One of the main challenges for the stability and productivity of the Spanish swine industry is the presence of several swine diseases, resulting in an important economic impact. Information on the current frequency and importance of the main swine diseases which affect the Spanish pig industry in each phase could help in optimizing and prioritizing the efforts within disease control programs. This study described the frequency and importance of different pathogens for veterinarians and consultants in the production phases, as well as the most used tools for controlling such pathogens and diseases. One of the main challenges for the sustainability and productivity of the Spanish swine industry is health instability, resulting in significant economic losses. Information on the main swine diseases which affect the Spanish pig industry could help in optimizing the efforts within control programs. This study determined the frequency of occurrence of the main diseases in Spain and the main control tool used, based on perceptions from veterinarians and consultants in a specific survey. Results showed that Streptococcus (S.) suis, E. coli, and coccidia are the most frequent pathogens in the gestation and lactation phase, whereas the most important were Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome virus (PRRSV). In the nursery phase, the most frequent were S. suis, E. coli, and PRRSV, the latter being the most important for the participants. Finally, in the fattening phase, PRRSV and Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae were the most frequent and important pathogen, respectively. Statistical differences among responses were detected with respect to the location and the gestation and lactation phases by farm size. Regarding the tools used for controlling the diseases, vaccination was the main strategy in all production phases, except in the fattening period, in which antibiotherapy was the most common response from the participants. Finally, the improvement of management practices was the most proposed tool, suggesting its importance within control programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]