June 2024 46 Pork News & Views Better Pork | June 2024 Dead Birds on Your Farm – A Biosecurity Risk? Biosecurity is a constant priority in the swine industry and is something producers work hard to maintain. Awareness of ongoing concerns both in your area and worldwide can provide a valuable insight into how to enhance your own biosecurity. Avian influenza (H5N1) has been in the news lately, reporting cases in the USA across poultry, dairy cows, and one recent human infection1. No cases of H5N1 in dairy cows have been reported in Canada to date. The USDA also hasn’t reported any spread of H5N1 to pigs thus far2, but swine are known to be susceptible to avian influenza viruses3, making adequate precautions worthwhile. The following is a quote from the 2023 London Swine Conference4: “Influenza A viruses infect swine worldwide and can result in serious economic losses. In addition, there is a great deal of concern about the public health aspects of influenza infection in pigs. In recent years, the number of different influenza viruses circulating in swine herds around the world has increased and this has made control much more challenging and much more important.” Why The Interest in Wild Birds? Wild bird populations may carry infectious agents, including H5N1, that pose a health risk to livestock. To control bird populations on farm, include a scan for bird’s nests and potential entry points in your external barn checks. Plug potential nesting holes and openings, and screen ventilation openings for security against small and large birds. The Role of Feed Mill Sanitation in Biosecurity Feed can act as an attractant for wild birds and a vector for disease transmission if contaminated feed is fed to farm animals. As part of your farm’s biosecurity protocols, consult your feed producer or review your on-farm feed production for contamination risks. Feed mill biosecurity programs should include proper storage, sanitation, and pest control programs. If you feed liquid feed diets to your pigs, especially from food surplus markets, please ensure that the products have been sourced with biosecurity measures in mind and any raw ingredients have been pasteurized whenever appropriate. For more information about influenza, visit https://www.ontario.ca/ page/animal-health-influenza. If you find dead birds on your farm, contact: Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative: phone: 1-866-6734781, http://www.cwhc-rcsf.ca Some precautions to consider when working with animals include: If you are sick with a cold or flu, stay home and have someone else look after your animals. Use additional protective equipment around animals diagnosed with influenza or other diseases, including wea- ring gloves and an N-95 respira- tor mask. Always wash your hands after working with or handling animals. When handling manure from swine or poultry, or spray was- hing livestock housing or vehi- cles, wear an N-95 respirator mask and eye protection. Get vaccinated for influenza every year. References 1CDC: Influenza (FLU). Updated May 2, 2024. https://www.cdc. gov/flu/avianflu/avian-flu-sum mary.htm 2Lauren Pelley. CBC: Now that birds flu is spreading among cows, scientists worry where H5N1 will jump next. April 4, 2024. https://www.cbc.ca/news/ health/avian-flu-h5n1-cow-out breaks-1.7162626#:~:text=The re%20are%20no%20signals%20 that,the%20Canadian%20 Food%20Inspection%20Agency 3Government of Canada: Rapid risk assessment update: Avian influ enza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4b in livestock, public health im- plications for Canada. April 26, 2024. https://www.canada.ca/ en/public-health/services/emer- gency-preparedness-response/ rapid-risk-assessments-public- health-professionals/avian-influ- enza-a-h5n1-clade-2-3-4-4b-up- date-livestock.html 4Vilaca and Friendship, London Swine Conference, March 28-29, 2023. www.londonswineconfe- rence.ca Hailey Lewke, Summer Livestock Assistant, and OMAFRA Swine and Poultry Specialists
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