New animal health campaigns target disease prevention in cattle and pigs, with expanded testing and varied protocols based on disease and farm type.
Animal disease prevention campaigns begin
France has launched collective prophylaxis campaigns for cattle and pigs to monitor and prevent the spread of several diseases. These efforts aim to identify potential disease hotspots early and take preventive measures.Diseases monitored in cattle
Cattle are being tested for several diseases, including brucellosis, leukemia, infectious bovine rhinotracheitis (IBR), verro, and besnoitiosis. Each disease has specific testing protocols, including the age of the animals tested and how often they are tested.Expanded testing for besnoitiosis
This year, besnoitiosis testing covers the entire department rather than only high-risk areas. The disease can cause symptoms like high fever, swelling in limbs and body parts, hair loss, and thickened skin. Long-term effects may include reduced productivity, udder issues, and infertility in male cattle.Bovine tuberculosis in Normandy
Bovine tuberculosis has started slowly in Normandy, with only four cases reported in a month. The disease remains a concern for livestock health and requires careful monitoring.Paratuberculosis testing procedures
Paratuberculosis testing is focused on herds participating in sanitation or herd guarantee programs. Testing involves all animals over 24 months old or those between 24 and 72 months, depending on the herd’s status.BVD prevention methods
For bovine viral diarrhea (BVD), prevention involves sampling cartilage from newborn calves at the time of birth. This year, a survey of randomly selected herds will examine how the serological status of BVD has evolved.Diseases monitored in pigs
Pigs are being tested for Aujeszky’s disease, swine dyspnea (SDRP), and swine plague. The testing frequency and number of animals sampled depend on the type of farm, such as outdoor or breeding/slaughterhouse operations.Symptoms of Aujeszky’s disease in pigs
Aujeszky’s disease in pigs causes symptoms such as fever, lethargy, severe neurological issues, convulsions, and high mortality rates, especially in young piglets.Clinical signs of SDRP in pigs
Swine dyspnea respiratory disease (SDRP) leads to coughing, difficulty breathing, slow growth, late-stage abortions, stillbirths, and the birth of mummified fetuses.Signs of swine plague
Swine plague is marked by reddish or violet discoloration of ears, abdomen, and extremities, high fever, and significant mortality among affected pigs.
