4-H/FFA PRV Q& A

James McKean, Iowa State University Extension swine veterinarian and Iowa Pork Industry Center associate director, can provide answers to your questions. For more information, contact him by e-mail at x2mckean@iastate.edu or phone at (800) 808-7675.

 

We will continue to add questions (and answers) as we receive them from 4-H'ers, parents, leaders, producers, ISU Extension staff and others.

 

2007 Health Exhibition Regulations for livestock, poultry and birds
Iowa county 4-H and FFA county fairs
Iowa State Fair and district shows

 

New information added 4-11-07

 

Q. I am considering using Paylean® for my 4-H/FFA show pigs, what should I be aware of if I use a Paylean® (ractopamine hydrochloride) inclusion into my show pig diet?
A. The publication, “Using Paylean® in Show Pig Diets”, was prepared by Larry McMullen, Extension Swine Field Specialist, Iowa State University, This publication (in pdf format) should guide you in the use of Paylean® for your 4-H / FFA show pig. Also, please look at this pdf document of the Paylean® label. You can contact Larry by e-mail or phone at 319-462-2791.

 

Q. I understand that circovirus is quite a concern in nursery pigs. What can you tell me about this condition?
A. Circovirus (also mistakenly called circle virus) is an emerging disease in nursery-grow-finish pigs. It is manifested by a variety of symptoms including respiratory disease, wasting, and in some cases substantial death losses in a group of grow-finish pigs. Circovirus works with other commonly found pathogens to express disease, so depending on the situation, it might be considered the “door opener” or “intensifier" for other pathogens. Herds can contain several strains of circovirus, and most herds will be sero-positive for what appears to be the mild forms. The mild form, absent some other pathogens such as M. hyo. (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae), flu, PRRS or others, can be a sub-clinical disease. With the help of others it can intensify an outbreak to substantial losses. The more virulent form can cause substantial death losses in grow-finish pigs alone. We are still learning about these differences. Transmission is by direct contact from infected pigs, contact with secretions and manure, aerosols to some extent, and semen. Additional information is needed in this area before the total picture is clear, but this is what we know today.

 

4-H questions and answers from 2006 (This page is for reference only. Not to be used for answers to 2007 questions on exhibition and testing.)

 

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(Requests can be sent to Sherry Hoyer, shoyer@iastate.edu)