The link between biosecurity and production and treatment characteristics in pig herds

Abstract

It is believed that biosecurity influences production figures and health status of pig herds, nevertheless, few studies succeed in demonstrating and quantifying this relation. In the present study, 95 randomly selected Belgian closed or semi-closed pig herds were visited to quantify the biosecurity status of the herd by means of a biosecurity scoring system (Biocheck) with a range from 0 (= total absence of biosecurity) to 100 (= perfect biosecurity). At the same visit additional data concerning herd, farmer, production characteristics and the use of antimicrobials was collected. The Antimicrobial use was quantified by calculating treatment incidences (TI). The external biosecurity (preventing pathogens from entering the herd) ranged between 45 and 89/100 with an average of 65/100, whereas the internal biosecurity (reducing within herd spread of infection) score was on average 52/100 (min 18; max 87). The number of sows and fattening pigs on a herd ware positively associated with the external biosecurity score. This indicates that on larger herds, more attention is paid to biosecurity. A negative association was seen between the internal biosecurity score and the age of the buildings as well as with the years of experience of the farmer. This indicates that biosecurity is higher on the agenda with younger farmers and in more modern herds.