Three indexes to address supply herds, isolation practices, and prevention of indirect spread of diseases have been field tested and will be available for practitioners and producers. Dr. Paul Yeske provided an update on current and future health issues for practitioners and producers. He noted that there may be multiple herd statuses within the same herd with the potential for more acute disease outbreaks. He noted that PRRS continues to be a significant problem in swine herds. Mycoplasma infections have increased in importance with more vaccination usage than in the past.
Swine influenza continues to be of concern as new strains enter herds.
With regard to enteric diseases, ileitis, colitis and E. coli are problems in different stages of production. He noted that cases of Porcine Dermatitis and Nephropathy Syndrome are being seen with the etiology not yet established. Abortions that are not attributable to a specific cause seem to be increasing. A panel discussion of four state veterinarians on the role of state departments of agriculture post-eradication programs was held. Dr. Bret Marsh, Indiana state veterinarian, noted that after eradication programs are completed it will be important to maintain an interface with the pork industry.