“Corona basic rules also help against flu in pigs”

Influenza is a common problem in European pig farming. It often starts in the farrowing pen. Preventing spread is important. The basic rules from the corona crisis can help with this. Vaccination can prevent problems or suppress the flu in pigs.

Tackling flu in pigs

“Influenza is a difficult virus to tackle, mainly because it mutates and recombines rapidly. Many subtypes exist and general immunity is not possible. There are often different variants within a company. This makes a good approach difficult. That is why prevention of spreading is extra important,” said pig veterinarian Martijn Steenaert of Boehringer Ingelheim at an Agrivaknet meeting in early February.

“Influenza spreads from the respiratory tract through pigs, humans and air. Pigs often get flu from humans. In some countries, therefore, a flu shot is mandatory for employees of pig farms,” explains Steenaert. “To prevent the spread of flu, the basic rules that we know from the corona crisis help: wash hands, keep your distance and test.”

Rapid mutations make vaccinations challenging

The fact that flu mutates and recombines quickly makes vaccination challenging. “It is like shooting at a hare running back and forth,” Steenaert compares. “But I do recommend it. Vaccination helps to reduce symptoms of disease and the amount of virus in the lungs. This reduces the risk of spreading. Think in advance what you want to achieve with vaccination. For example, do you want to protect the gilts upon introduction, protect sows or do you want to have antibodies in the colostrum? It’s hard to get rid of flu on a corporate level. Prevention and a targeted vaccination strategy can help prevent a lot of damage.”

Text: Gerben Hoffman