PIGCAST MSD Animal Health

Tips on ZnO - John Haugegaard



Our host, Rubén del Pozo, Technical Associate Director EURAM at MSD Animal Health, talks with John Haugegaard, a Danish pig veterinarian at Øvet and head of the Danish Pig Veterinarian Society. They talk about the current situation of post-weaning diarrheas since the banning of zinc oxide in Denmark.



John explains the main challenges that EU producers and vets are facing nowadays: antimicrobial usage restrictions, bacterial resistance, ZnO removal, unsolved infections, etc. The Danish experience on removing antibiotics as food promoters as well as on banning ZnO, allows him to have some relevant data on what is going on with diarrheas after piglets’ weaning.


Should we start preparing the piglets before weaning?
Or even the sows?
Should we stop for a while, learn from nature, and try to bring something into it? For example, delaying the weaning age?
Are there any efficient alternatives to ZnO?

Listen to John Haugegaard's words about this critical stage of piglet’s life.

Tips on M. hyo - Dr. Dominiek Maes



Our host, Rubén del Pozo, Technical Associate Director EURAM at MSD Animal Health, talks with Dr. Dominiek Maes, Full Professor of Porcine Health Management at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, in Belgium. They discuss the Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae status in Europe.



 Dr. Maes is the most recognized specialist in swine infections worldwide, so he’s one of the best experts on how to deal with M. hyo infections. He lists what are the main challenges from a health perspective for EU pig producers, remarking not only emerging diseases but also legal restrictions and environmental issues. But he takes the opportunity to remember the importance that M. hyo continues to have in the health status of our farms and its role in the PRD complex.


Is M. hyo a primary or a secondary pathogen in the PRDC?
What are the Knowledge gaps that we need to cover in the next years to fully understand this bacterium?

Don't miss the opportunity to hear the wise words of one of the best veterinary professors in the world.

Tips on Smart Farms - Dr. Tomas Norton

Our host, Rubén del Pozo, Technical Associate Director EURAM at MSD Animal Health, talks with Dr. Tomas Norton, Professor at KU Leuven, in Belgium. Dr. Norton's current research is focused on PLF applications, mainly on modeling and monitoring animal responses for improved welfare, health, and productivity.

 

Dr. Norton deeply dives into the different PLF technologies and how can they be implemented on farms. He explains his vision of those information-oriented technologies, typically comprising sensors, technology for data exchange as well management systems, with an aim to provide decision support to the animal producer/caretaker. 
Are vets & farmers ready to accept implementing PLF technologies and solutions? Do they see its ROI? What are the limitations and pitfalls in translating research into functioning solutions? Listen to Dr. Norton and learn a little bit more about what technologies are reaching our farms.

Tips on Academia - Dr. Hans Nauwynck

The relationship between academics, private business, and the farm 

Our host, Miquel Collell, Global Technical Director Swine at MSD Animal Health, talks with Dr. Hans Nauwynck, Head of the Laboratory of Virology at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine of Ghent University, in Belgium. Their conversation revolves around the communication between academia and pharmaceutical laboratories, as well as towards the final recipient, the farmer.

 

Dr. Nauwynck presents his vision from the point of view of a long-standing academic but with close contact with the industry and the owner of the animals. That knowledge transfer has changed quite a bit over the years, but it still needs improvement.




Is the relationship with our customers, pig farmers, the most effective?
Is there a two-way flow of knowledge?
What could be improved?



Pay attention to his thoughts, because they are a master class in common sense and experience.

Tips on ASF - Dr. Sandra Blome

 ASF in Europe: people, wild boars, vaccines and preventive

 Our host, Alex Carvalho, Global Marketing Director of Swine at MSD Animal Health, talks with Dr. Sandra Blome, Deputy head of the Institute of Diagnostic Virology, head of the German National Reference Laboratory for classical swine fever (CSF) and African swine fever (ASF) the Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut in Germany.

 Dr. Blome explains how is the actual situation of ASF, especially in the German borders, as it has recently transformed from an exotic disease to a panzootic threat to domestic and wild suids worldwide.


Could the human factor be considered the main transmitting factor?
What are the main causes of spreading the disease? 

Could vaccines be the missing tool to control ASF? To combat the disease, we will have to tie strong bonds between countries and disciplines. Furthermore, we have to work on closing critical knowledge gaps.

Tips on Communication - Vincent ter Beek

 Does the Livestock industry communicate properly?

Our host, Rebecca Rivara: Regional Director EURAM at MSD Animal Health, talks with Vincent ter Beek: Editor of Pig Progress at Misset about how does the swine industry communicate to consumers.

Mr. ter Beek works for Pig Progress (Misset) as editor of the magazine and website since 2007. Being an agricultural ‘immigrant’, he quickly learnt his way in the pig industry. Still, he is able to observe the pig industry from a different angle. Do we succeed on touching consumers’ heart? Has anything changed since the Covid-19 pandemic in our public image? Listen to Mr. ter Beek reflexions on this relevant topic!