Another outbreak of swine dysentery has been confirmed in North Yorkshire, following the recent spate of cases in March, including four in one day.
The latest outbreak on a finisher unit was identified by clinical signs and subsequently confirmed today by laboratory tests.
Strict biosecurity and biocontainment measures are currently in place and the exact origin of the outbreak is under investigation. The unit is under treatment and depopulation is being considered.
AHDB stressed the importance of heightened levels of biosecurity on farms and careful monitoring for clinical signs over the next few weeks, especially within the North Yorkshire region.
Information on Swine Dysentery can be found on the AHDB website
NPA chief executive Zoe Davies has stressed the need to ensure vehicles entering farms are washed properly. Producers are urged to familiarise themselves with AHDB’s Standard Operating Procedures for lorry washing and cleansing and disinfecting, as well as general biosecurity procedures, listed here
It is particularly important people using private haulage companies ensure the procedures are strictly adhered to, Zoe said.
And writing in the April issue of Pig World, AHDB Pork senior veterinary manager Mandy Nevel urged producers who haven’t yet done so to sign up to the Significant Diseases Charter, which provides notification of outbreaks.
“The recent spike of swine dysentery cases across the country is very concerning,” she said. “Early notification through the Significant Diseases Charter will allow rapid information spread so that producers can increase precautions where the risks are greatest.
“If you’re not signed up, you won’t get this information. Remain vigilant for signs of the disease and make sure all your biosecurity plans are acted on.”
The charter is free to join and can be done quickly via the Pig Hub.
