May 25, 2009

The new president of UK's Pig Veterinary Society (PVS), Peter Bown plans to prioritise endemic pig diseases during his term.

 

Bown plans to make control or elimination of endemic pig diseases, such as porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) and swine dysentery, a priority for PVS during his year of office.

 

He said that this will help the UK pig industry to reduce its cost of production and become more competitive in the European market place, as disease currently costs the industry at least GBP7 per pig.

 

The success in controlling pig diseases associated with porcine circo virus 2 (PCV2) through the use of PCV2 vaccine will now enable vets to help producers focus on other ailments, including sarcoptic mange as well as the economically-significant PRRS and swine dysentery, but he warns that it is important for the industry to maintain its welfare advantages.

 

He feels it is important to identify the real needs of the pig by good science rather than rely on philosophical anthropomorphism.