Jean Paul Cano

Among the numerous genetically distinct isolates that are identified in high pig density areas every year, only a few are able to be transmitted between herds and even less able to widely spread and dominate the entire region or system.

The desired result of the strategic management of replacement gilts at a company level is to minimize the economical losses potentially caused by PRRS.

Surveillance includes the gathering, recording and analysis of data as well as the dissemination of information to interested parties so that actions can be taken to control disease.

Pathogens that are transmitted mostly through direct, pig to pig, contact are generally contained with today’s biosecurity programs and pig flow strategies. However, pathogens using multiple routes of transmission seem to evade standard biosecurity programs.

Some of the take-home messages of this article are: M. hyo transmits slowly within exposed populations, but pigs can shed for long periods of time.

In this first article of our series, we will compare and contrast the perspectives of four pig health experts from some of the most important pork producing countries (i.e. USA, Italy, Denmark and Spain) on antibiotic reduction strategies for pig farms.

In this second article of our series, our swine health experts share their perspectives on the most important strategies for the reduction of antibiotic use in their respective countries.

In this third article of our series, our global swine health experts continue sharing their perspectives on successful strategies for the reduction of antibiotics as well as learnings from some of the mistakes made along the way.

In the fourth article of our series, we review the opinions from our group of global swine health experts on the potential relationship, if any, between the rise in nursery mortality that some countries have observed over the last few years and antibiotic reduction strategies.

When losses and costs from poor health threaten the current and future farm profitability, perhaps a “clean slate” should be considered.

Jean Paul Cano, a veterinarian with extensive field experience in US and now in Spain, provided practical field insights into managing PRDC in production settings. Joaquim Segalés, UAB professor and CReSA researcher, offered an academic perspective and share the latest findings on PRDC pathogenesis.

In this second instalment, Cano and Segalés talk about tools for detecting PRDC on farms, the factors influencing its development, and vaccination.

Effective PRDC control isn’t a single protocol — it’s a system. Success depends on accurate diagnosis, tailored vaccination, strong biosecurity, smart production flow, and, above all, consistent implementation. As Cano said, “Execution is everything. The best protocol won’t work if no one’s watching the barn.”