Abstract
Introduction: Effective biosecurity measures are key in preventing pathogen introduction and spread within and between pig farms. In Hong Kong, endemic viruses like porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) and porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) pose health and economic challenges. This study aimed to identify biosecurity practice patterns and investigate their associations with viral infections.
Method: A questionnaire-based survey collected pig herd characteristics and biosecurity measures on 18 pig farms from November 2022 to May 2023. Oral fluid samples were collected and tested by RT-qPCR for PRRSV, PCV-2, swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) characterized biosecurity patterns. Associations between PRRSV-1, SIV infections, and biosecurity were tested using Fisher exact test.
Results: HCA identified three clusters of farms: Cluster 1 (33.3%), characterized by inadequate cleaning of pig transport vehicles (71.4%), not requiring health proof for pig purchases (71.1%), and allowing pet access to stables (85.7%). Cluster 2 (33.3%) required health proof for pig purchases (87.5%) and infrequent enforcement of farm clothing and boots (20%). Cluster 3 (33.3%) mandated farm-specific clothes and boots (100%), and pig-free visit periods (100%) for entry. Farms tested positive for PRRSV-2 (94.4%), PRRSV-1 (38.9%), PCV-2 (83.3%), SIV (55.6%), PDCoV (16.7%) and PEDV (5.6%), with no positive of TGEV. A significant association (p = 0.03) found between SIV and biosecurity patterns.
Discussion: Our findings reveal inadequate biosecurity practices in Hong Kong pig farms. Cluster 3 demonstrated higher standards, requiring visitors to wear farm-specific clothing before entry. 60% of SIV-positive farms belonged to cluster 2, indicating need to strengthen biosecurity by mandating farm specific clothing and boots for visitors.
Conclusion: Our findings will inform the formulation of tailored biosecurity strategies for different farm clusters.
Method: A questionnaire-based survey collected pig herd characteristics and biosecurity measures on 18 pig farms from November 2022 to May 2023. Oral fluid samples were collected and tested by RT-qPCR for PRRSV, PCV-2, swine influenza virus (SIV), porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV), porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), and transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV). Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) and Hierarchical Clustering Analysis (HCA) characterized biosecurity patterns. Associations between PRRSV-1, SIV infections, and biosecurity were tested using Fisher exact test.
Results: HCA identified three clusters of farms: Cluster 1 (33.3%), characterized by inadequate cleaning of pig transport vehicles (71.4%), not requiring health proof for pig purchases (71.1%), and allowing pet access to stables (85.7%). Cluster 2 (33.3%) required health proof for pig purchases (87.5%) and infrequent enforcement of farm clothing and boots (20%). Cluster 3 (33.3%) mandated farm-specific clothes and boots (100%), and pig-free visit periods (100%) for entry. Farms tested positive for PRRSV-2 (94.4%), PRRSV-1 (38.9%), PCV-2 (83.3%), SIV (55.6%), PDCoV (16.7%) and PEDV (5.6%), with no positive of TGEV. A significant association (p = 0.03) found between SIV and biosecurity patterns.
Discussion: Our findings reveal inadequate biosecurity practices in Hong Kong pig farms. Cluster 3 demonstrated higher standards, requiring visitors to wear farm-specific clothing before entry. 60% of SIV-positive farms belonged to cluster 2, indicating need to strengthen biosecurity by mandating farm specific clothing and boots for visitors.
Conclusion: Our findings will inform the formulation of tailored biosecurity strategies for different farm clusters.
| Original language | English |
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| Publication status | Presented - 11 Nov 2024 |
| Event | 17th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (ISVEE17) - ICC Sydney, Sydney, Australia Duration: 11 Nov 2024 → 15 Nov 2024 Conference number: 17 https://isvee17.com.au/ |
Conference
| Conference | 17th International Symposium on Veterinary Epidemiology and Economics (ISVEE17) |
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| Abbreviated title | ISVEE |
| Place | Australia |
| City | Sydney |
| Period | 11/11/24 → 15/11/24 |
| Internet address |
