Is Feed Pathogen Control Key to Mitigating ASF and PEDv?

Are you a pork producer who's concerned about the devastating impacts of African Swine Fever and Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus on the swine population?

If so, you're not alone. These viruses not only cause significant animal welfare issues but also result in significant economic losses. Combating these viruses requires reviewing and strengthening your operations biosecurity program can help stop the transmission.

Comprehensive biosecurity programs include:

• Bioexclusion: keeping external threats and diseases away from the farm and herd
• Biocontainment: preventing diseases from spreading within the system or to neighboring systems
• Biomanagement: procedures and protocols implemented to contain diseases in a small area, such as isolating infected barns or sections, disinfecting the area and managing tools to prevent the spread of diseases within the barn

Feed is an important aspect of each of these.

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Feeds Role in ASF and PEDv Transmission

International trade and movement of feed ingredients contribute to the spread of swine viruses such as ASF and PEDv. One overlooked transmission route is through contaminated feed, which can introduce and spread the virus within a herd. Comprehensive biosecurity measures are crucial to prevent virus transmission through contaminated feed. Innovations and technologies, such as feed pathogen control solutions, can support biosecurity programs and help protect animal health.

ASF and PEDv have been evidence to survive for extended periods in feed and feed ingredients. When contaminated feed enters a pig's environment, it can introduce the virus and contribute to its spread within a herd.

Contaminated feed can be the result of various factors, such as:

1. Using pork products or by-products in animal feed production without adequate processing to eliminate the virus.
2. Feeding pigs with scraps or food waste that may contain ASF.
3. Cross-contamination during the transportation and storage of feed ingredients.

Prevention and Control of ASF and PEDv in Feed

Feed is a fomite for swine viruses, and studies have shown that specific ingredient matrices can enhance virus survival. Preventing virus transmission through contaminated feed is achievable with proper protocols in place.

Enhancing biosecurity and monitoring throughout the system requires oversight of the ingredients/raw materials that come into feed mills and the feed mills’ biosecurity. Additionally, maintaining strong transportation and farm-level biosecurity can provide further control.

Producers are leveraging different innovations and technologies to support their biosecurity measures. Feed pathogen control solutions, including organic acid blends and feed sanitizers, grant producers the ability to implement risk-dependent control.

Continued efforts to evidence the efficacy of their feed sanitizers against swine viruses and their potential to protect animal health and support performance are underway.

Producers can help minimize the risk of disease outbreaks and protect animal health by using feed pathogen control solutions and implementing a comprehensive biosecurity program.

Preventing ASF and PEDv transmission is crucial for swine herd health and welfare. Feed pathogen control solutions, biosecurity protocols, and feed pathogen control tools such as feed sanitizers and organic acid blends can reduce the risk of disease outbreaks. By taking proactive measures, we can protect animal health and ensure the success of the swine industry.

To learn more about the true cost of swine viruses, listen to our podcast featuring Dr. Francisco Domingues.

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