Endemic diseases
In Quebec, endemic diseases cause very significant losses for the swine industry. For example, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) causes annual losses estimated at $35 million for farmers.
After PRRS, swine influenza is the disease that affects the greatest number of pigs in Quebec. The infection of pigs by different strains of influenza viruses is also associated with significant economic losses throughout the pork production chain (piglets, growing pigs and sows) in Quebec.
The circulation of these viruses in pig herds leads to an increase in the use of antibiotics, which are necessary to combat secondary infections.
The EQSP has a Plan for improving pig health in Quebec for endemic diseases – 2020-2025, with the objective of combating these two endemic diseases and protecting the health status of Quebec’s pig herds.
Endemic diseases are:
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)
Reproductive respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease characterized by two overlapping clinical presentations :
- Reproductive impairment or failure in breeding animals and respiratory disease in pigs of all ages cause stunted growth in pigs and can sometimes lead to death of the animals, although this has no impact on product quality;
- The virus, which is constantly mutating, often appears to interact with other pathogenic viruses, bacteria and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae to amplify the severity of the diseases. It is also very easily transmitted between production sites.
The disease is widespread in North America and is the main disease with economic impact in pig farms in Quebec. There is no effective antiviral treatment or vaccine against the virus.
The Centre de développement du porc du Québec (CDPQ), the Laboratoire d’épidémiologie et médicnine porcine (LEMP), and Les Éleveurs de porcs du Québec, with the collaboration of breeders and their veterinarians, maintain the provincial disease surveillance program, which brings together the surveillance activities for this disease.
Swine Influenza
Swine influenza is a respiratory disease caused by influenza A virus. Respiratory signs are common although some pigs may remain asymptomatic.
It regularly affects swine farms in North America and other parts of the world. In Quebec, the circulating swine viruses are of the H1N1, H3N2 or, occasionally, H1N2 subtypes. The disease can cause high levels of morbidity in swine herds, but causes little mortality. Swine influenza viruses can circulate among swine throughout the year, but most outbreaks occur in late fall and winter. The main economic impact is related to a decrease in weight gain, which results in an increase in the number of days needed to reach market weight.
Rarely, viruses affecting swine can infect humans or other animals, particularly birds. Preventing transmission, particularly between species, is essential to protect animal and public health.