Biosecurity in 116 Danish fattening swineherds: descriptive results and factor analysis

Biosecurity measures are important for the herd's protection against diseases and also to provide nationwide protection against the introduction of exotic diseases. In this paper, we describe the farmers' choices and routines regarding biosecurity in Danish fattening herds. Overall, 116 Danish swine fattening herds in three areas of different pig density were interviewed. Of these herds, 78% purchased weaners from one sow herd only, whereas 10% purchased from >5 sow herds during 1 year. Large herds (>500 finishers) purchased weaners more often than smaller herds (< or =500 finishers). Only two swine producers purchased weaners from a market. Almost all herds (95%) received weaners from one sow herd at one time, and only one herd received from >5 sow herds in one batch. Twenty-one percent did not use an effective barrier between the loading area and the stables when delivering pigs for slaughter. Entry rooms (in which clothing and boots are changed) were common at the farm, and the numbers of visitors were generally low (<10 visitors a year). Factor analysis was performed to find underlying structures of the biosecurity measures in the herd; four factors were chosen (eigenvalue > 3.10). A site scoring high on factor 1 was a large SPF herd, which received weaners from a single source, had biosecurity requirements for the transport vehicles, and had a high level of biosecurity for visitors. A site scoring high on factor 2 was a multi-site farm, which had personnel working on more than one of the sites, only received weaners from one sow herd, had delivering herds placed close to the participating site, and transported animals themselves. A site scoring high on factor 3 was a site which hired commercial transport for slaughter, was situated far from the abattoir and had a high level of biosecurity when loading pigs. A production site scoring high on factor 4 was a large site, which used all-in/all-out management, washed and disinfected between each group, and purchased many weaners.