April 22, 2005

Immunity related diseases in pigs - New challenges in Asia

New challenges caused by diseases affecting the immune system of pigs will be addressed at meetings in China, Taiwan and the Philippines, in early June 2005. The meetings will focus on two major causes of reduced immunity in pigs: Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) and mycotoxins.

PMWS is a disease affecting weaned pigs. It involves a virus (PCV2, porcine circovirus type 2) and is characterized by an alteration of the immune system. Mycotoxins also affect immunity. They are produced by fungi growing on raw materials or finished feed in the field or during storage.

The objective of the different presentations is to focus on the practical aspects of the diseases, and to discuss solutions that can be implemented on the affected farms.

Dr Francois Madec, one of a handful of experts on PMWS in the world, will discuss the role of herd management and husbandry in PMWS expression.

Mathieu Cortyl from Impextraco will present the interaction between mycotoxins and immunity as well as possible solutions to combat mycotoxins in feed. Other local experts will share their experience on these subjects.

The Veterinary Medicine Institute, Guangdong Agricultural Sciences Academy in China (June 4), the Kaohsiung Animal Feed and Veterinary Products Commercial Association in Taiwan (June 7), and the De La Salle-Araneta University in the Philippines (June 10), will organize these meetings.