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A focus on endemic swine diseases

An official with the National Pork Board is encouraged by efforts to eradicate endemic swine diseases in the U.S.

Brett Kaysen is senior vice president of producer and state engagement.

“For example, pseudorabies. There was a time when pseudorabies and hog cholera really decimated our pig farmers’ profitability and their pigs. We’ve proven as farmers, if we’re committed and we’re united to eliminate some of these endemic diseases, we can do that.”

He tells Brownfield that doesn’t minimize the threat posed by foreign animal diseases.

“Of course the Pork Board has put a lot of emphasis there the last six years on prevention and preparedness there. But really the farmers are telling me now ‘don’t lose site on these endemic diseases that continue to challenge us on farm like PRRS (and) PEDv.”

Kaysen says NPB established the Swine Disease Research Task Force to focus on addressing knowledge gaps related to pathogen management and prevention of both endemic and foreign animal diseases.