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Biosecurity practices on intensive pig production systems in Chile
C Julio Pinto1, V Santiago Urcelay
1Escuela de Medicina Veterinaria, Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, Avenida Ejército 146, Santiago, Chile. jpinto@ust.cl
Preventive Veterinary Medicine
|June 18, 2003
Summary
Chile assessed pig farm biosecurity after eradicating classical swine fever (CSF). Findings reveal varying biosecurity levels, informing future disease prevention strategies for swine health.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Epidemiology
- Animal Health Management
- Biosecurity Assessment
Background:
- Chile successfully eradicated classical swine fever (CSF) in 1998 after a 17-year program.
- Post-eradication, understanding farm-level biosecurity is crucial for preventing disease re-emergence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the biosecurity status of large integrated pig farms in Chile following CSF eradication.
- To develop and apply a scoring system for classifying biosecurity levels.
- To explore correlations between biosecurity, herd size, and insurance against CSF.
Main Methods:
- A formal survey was conducted on 50 large integrated pig farms, representing approximately 60% of the national swine population.
- Biosecurity practices were analyzed using criteria from Barcelo and Marco (1998).
- A scoring system was developed to quantify and classify biosecurity levels.
Main Results:
- The study quantified biosecurity levels across surveyed farms using a novel scoring system.
- Associations between biosecurity scores, herd size, and the presence of CSF insurance were investigated.
- A potential indicator for disease infection risk was discussed based on adjusted specific measures.
Conclusions:
- Biosecurity levels on Chilean pig farms vary significantly post-CSF eradication.
- Herd size and insurance policies may influence biosecurity practices.
- The findings provide insights for targeted interventions to enhance swine health security.