January2024 - Journal-No PN Final WEB - Flipbook - Page 7
Health
RECOMMENDATIONS
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2
•
•
DOMESTIC
DISEASES
Year after year, the
infection rates of major
diseases do not change. We need
to stop doing the same things
and expect different results.
I encourage the
implementation of “Next
Generation Biosecurity”
at sow farms. This means
exceptional biosecurity
to block mechanical
transmission, air 昀椀ltration,
and feed mitigation. If that’s
not possible, move your
sows to an area of low/no
pig density.
•
Improve biosecurity on
wean-to-昀椀nish production
sites. We know what to do,
but in many places, we just
aren’t doing it!
•
Push for industry-wide
disease elimination. While
we aren’t ready to eradicate
PRRS virus nationally, we do
have the tools and knowhow to get rid of diseases
like PED and Mycoplasma
hyopneumonia. What’s
stopping us?
PREPAREDNESS
While ASF remains
our biggest FAD threat,
there are several things
that every pork producer should
do – both for the good of their
farm and the U.S. industry:
Create a Secure Pork
Supply plan for your farm.
Work with your veterinarian.
Get it done. It protects your
farm and is the 昀椀rst step in
FAD preparedness.
•
Maintain 30 days of swine
movement records. Keep
this up to date. Immediate
traceability will be key to
any FAD response.
•
Enroll in the U.S. Swine
Health Improvement
Program. This program
will be codi昀椀ed soon by
USDA and is likely our bestorganized effort to deal
with an FAD incursion.
•
Support mandatory swine
traceability. The U.S. swine
industry needs to have the
best traceability system in
the world. It will be table
stakes to maintain our
export advantage.
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GENE EDIT
TECHNOLOGY
This technology
has the potential to
revolutionize pig farming and
food production:
•
Get educated. Learn what
it is and how it can impact
your farm.
•
Get engaged. We are
on the front end of
determining how this
technology will be used
in our industry. How
will consumers view this
technology and what will it
do for pork demand?
•
Get into the conversation.
Provide input because this
technology will affect your
farm and the future of pig
farming.
Every new year presents an
opportunity, and 2024 is no
exception. I encourage you to
take action, the health of our
industry depends on it.
WINTER 2024 | 7
