[Streptococcus suis type 2 in swine. An imported problem?]

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Microbiology
• Animal Health
• Bacteriology

Background:

• Streptococcus suis type 2 is a significant pathogen in pigs.
• Differentiating infected farms is crucial for disease control.
• Tonsil biopsy as a diagnostic tool requires validation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of using tonsil biopsy specimens to distinguish farms affected by Streptococcus suis type 2.
• To investigate the carrier proportion of Streptococcus suis type 2 on affected and unaffected farms.
• To determine if pig importations from Great Britain correlate with higher carrier rates.

Main Methods:

• Collection of tonsil biopsy specimens from eighteen farms in Gelderland.
• Bacteriological analysis to detect Streptococcus suis type 2.
• Comparison of carrier proportions between farms with and without clinical problems.
• Analysis of carrier rates in relation to pig importations from Great Britain.

Main Results:

• A significant difference in Streptococcus suis type 2 carrier proportions was observed (14% on affected farms vs. 2% on unaffected farms).
• Differentiation between affected and unaffected farms using tonsil biopsy is feasible.
• Farms importing pigs from Great Britain showed a higher carrier proportion (17%) compared to non-importing farms (1%).

Conclusions:

• Tonsil biopsy is a viable method for identifying farms with Streptococcus suis type 2 clinical issues.
• Importation of pigs, particularly from Great Britain, is associated with an increased risk of Streptococcus suis type 2 carriers.
• Biopsy-based surveillance can aid in targeted disease management strategies.