PreparePig: Preparing the Norwegian pig population for control of emerging and re-emerging diseases

PreparePig–Developing knowledge to strengthen control and preparedness for diseases in Norwegian swine production The Norwegian pig population has a highly favorable health status, with low consumption of antimicrobials and a documented freedom from several important pathogens. Maintaining the excellent health status of Norway’s pigs is important for animal welfare, national food security, and competitiveness in international trade. The research project, PreparePig, has the goal of improving the health status of Norway’s pig population by establishing highly effective diagnostic methods and developing new knowledge about contact networks and important infection control measures in the swine industry. The project will introduce a new multiplex assay for detecting antibodies from saliva samples collected on ropes that farmers can mount in pig enclosures. Rope sampling has the potential to test multiple individuals using the same sample and is less invasive than blood sampling. An advantage using a multiplex assay is that it detects antibodies for multiple pathogens at the same time. The method delivers fast and accurate results, and we can apply it to more herds for better documentation of the health status. A collaboration has been initiated with Biovet which is a Canadian diagnostic company that manufacture high performance Multiplex serology. The project is developing a multiplex assay for detection of antibodies in saliva samples from swine against three important respiratory pathogens. These include Porcine Pleuropneumonia caused by the bacteria Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia, Enzootic Pneumonia caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and Swine influenza caused by infection with the swine influenza virus. Samples have been collected from a selection of Norwegian Swine herds. In addition, samples have been obtained from the United States, Canada, and Scotland. Furthermore, the project has initiated a collaboration with Swedish Veterinary Agency (SVA) for collection of samples from Swedish farms, expected to have the pathogens included in the multiplex assay. Preliminary testing has shown promising results in saliva and blood samples for two of the pathogens, and there is ongoing work to optimise the detection of antibodies to the third pathogen. The project have utilized herd data on biosecurity practises reported by farmers and veterinarians to shed light on control practices in different categories of herds (breeding herds, finishing herds, and small-scale production). In addition, PreparePig has combined several governmental and industry health datasets to understand pig farming practices in Norway. Specifically, the project has identified key gaps in the reporting of pig movements and established methods to monitor data quality in the future. Geographic and temporal analysis of pig movements has revealed a stable trade pattern over time, characterized by short distance movements between farms (<50 km) with some long-distance trade events. The project continues to investigate control practices in different categories of herds (breeding herds, finishing herds, and small-scale production), which will inform targeted campaigns to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Finally, PreparePig will develop a model for simulating disease spread to evaluate infection prevention and control strategies based on realistic population and movement data. Through simulations, we will show how changes in trade patterns, new control measures and improved monitoring, can delay or reduce disease spread.

The Norwegian pig population has a highly favourable health status, with low consumption of antimicrobials and a documented freedom from several important swine pathogens. This gives the Norwegian pig breeding organization a strong competitive advantage on the international market. PreparePig aims to protect the pig population from the threat of diseases by 1) improving diagnostic methods, 2) generating knowledge of biosecurity practices, and 3) providing collaborative solutions for disease prevention measures, as well as, outbreak management tools using animal health data. PreparePig will develop multiplex assays using oral fluid samples to provide results that are rapid, accurate, and cost-effective. This will lead to more comprehensive testing and earlier detection of emerging diseases, reducing the risk of major economic losses due to disease outbreaks. PreparePig will characterize the biosecurity levels across different pig herd categories to implement targeted campaigns to improve biosecurity. By analysing animal movement data, we will identify holding types with a potentially higher risk for introduction or spread of diseases. In addition, a transmission model will be implemented for an emerging viral disease (PRRSV). We will use scenario simulations to investigate the effects of prevention measures, such as changes in trade patterns, increased biosecurity, and increased surveillance, on the simulated spread of disease. By cooperating with stakeholders in designing prevention and control options, we will identify realistic measures. PreparePig will produce research-based knowledge about vulnerabilities in pig holdings that can be translated into better preparedness for the Norwegian pig population. We will establish a transmission model as a tool for evaluating prevention and control strategies, that will further facilitate the use of animal health related data, and be an important management deliverable for the industry and the authorities.