A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO CONTROL OF PIG DISEASES Pig farm clinics training in Matuga Kampala Uganda, JOSEPH M KUNGU National Livestock Resources Research Institute P.O.Box 96 Tororo.

Pig diseases in Uganda Pigs are affected by a variety of conditions which directly kill or reduce their productivity. A number of these infections are resident in Uganda. However, not much studies done.

Common conditions ; African Swine Fever, Worms, Diarrhoea, Malnutrition, Ecto-parasites, FMD, others of undefined causes (e.g mycotoxicosis, Mastitis metritis agalactia, swine erysipelous, piglet scours,anemia, navel ill, poisoning).

Prevalence of the conditions

What should the farmer do? Aim at developing control strategies without requiring to know specific diseases/conditions in place. Aim at preventing diseases and parasites rather than treating after they occur. “Prevention is better than cure". Starting with a disease free herd and guarding it from access of infections, spread from within.

Expected benefits High production unhindered by diseases. Pork produced safe from zoonotic infections (Brucellosis, pig tapeworm disease). Pork produced safe from notifiable/transboundary infections (ASF, FMD, Vesicular stomatitis, Swine eryspelous). Pigs/products access to international markets.

How can this be achieved? A holistic strategy packaged with biosecurity measures targeting to prevent diseases from within and without the farm.

Strategies to prevent occurrence and spread within the herd Pigs housed, partitioned with pens having enough space requirements. Separate pens/ age group. Floor hygiene ensured (cleanable floor or turning bedding to minimize pathogens).

Cont’d Hygiene of feed and water troughs. Protective clothing while working(overall and boots). Avoid inbreeding (reduces litter size, growth, abnormalities) Educate self to identify sick pigs and consult vets for complicated conditions. Monitor and inspect pigs for signs of sickness.

Cont’d Identify and isolate sick suspects. Separate equipment, clothing used for sick and health pigs. On advice of the vet (confirmation); kill, destroy and dispose sick pigs that will not recover to prevent contagious disease spread within and outside farm.

Strategies to prevent disease entry Proper housing to confine pigs all the time, having one entrance restricting access by intruders (animals, birds, people). Perimeter fence off farm area to minimize access by intruders (roaming animals).

Cont’d Foot bath with disinfectant e.g vircon, water and soap to wash hands. Use on farm protective clothing.

Cont’d Monitor feed sources; avoid swill, ensure crop residues are safe. Credibility of commercial feeds and their storage. Avoid sharing boar (bringing in or lending out). Keep record of visitors, vehicles to farm. Post signs e.g “Enter only when authorized”

Cont’d Practice all in all out policy to minimize introduction of disease. Limit frequency of introducing new pigs. When stocking; obtain herd health history of farm pigs, check treatment records. Seek help of a vet specialist. Quarantine new or returning pigs in separate unit, use separate equipment, laborer or work there last.

Cont’d Have your own basic medical kit. Properly store drugs. consult vets on drug use to avoid wrong administration injuring the pig and drug residues, under dosing leading to drug resistence.

Conclusion What have I learnt today? What does it mean to me as a pig farmer? How can I apply it to change my present pig farm situation?

Thank you for listening God bless you in Jesus name (Prov 27.23, Deut John 2)