Dominiek Maes

This collection features four peer-reviewed literature reviews on bacterial diseases affecting pigs. The first chapter summarises recent research on the causes and epidemiology of major bacteria, viruses and parasites found in pig production, focussing on those with a particular impact on safety and global production, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella typhimurium and African swine fever virus. The second chapter discusses classical phenotypic characteristics and more advanced molecular techniques to identify and classify bacterial pathogens affecting swine health and performance. The chapter explores the different modes of transmission, as well as the commonly used measures for prevention and control, including vaccinations. The third chapter reviews the development of dysbiosis and post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) in piglets and the consequent economic losses these diseases cause for the global pig industry. The chapter considers the role of animal nutrition and dietary strategies to optimise gut function as a means of preventing dysbiosis and PWD. The final chapter assesses methods of improving gut function in pigs to optimise health and prevent pathogen colonization. The chapter discusses research on genes associated with pathogen resistance and porcine immune response and reviews the role of dietary and nutritional strategies in preventing intestinal pathogen colonisation.

This collection features five peer-reviewed reviews on improving biosecurity in livestock production. The first chapter highlights the importance of implementing biosecurity measures along the pig production chain as a means of minimising disease introduction (external biosecurity) and spread (internal biosecurity) throughout the farm. The second chapter reviews the diagnosis and monitoring of common pig diseases, as well as the control measures that can be implemented on the farm, focussing on the importance of establishing effective biosecurity measures. The third chapter provides a brief overview of the emergence and re-emergence of several infectious pathogens of poultry. The chapter highlights the integral role of improving biosecurity in poultry flocks as a means of mitigating future disease risk, including proper cleaning and disinfection techniques. The fourth chapter provides an overview of good farming practices for beef cattle farms, with particular discussion of biosecurity, animal welfare and the importance of clean cattle policies. The final chapter summarises key issues of biosecurity which arise in organic animal farming and discusses their significance to human health. Two case studies are presented to demonstrate the successful implementation of biosecurity plans as a means of reducing disease risk.

Swine can be infected with different mycoplasmas. Some of them are important pathogens, causing significant health and welfare issues in pigs and major losses to the swine industry worldwide. Other mycoplasmas are not pathogenic for swine and can be considered commensals. The present book provides up-to-date scientific, clinical and practical information of the most important pathogenic mycoplasmas in swine. Most emphasis has been placed on Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, as this is economically the most important Mycoplasma sp. in swine. However, other pathogenic species like Mycoplasma hyorhinis, Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and Mycoplasma suis are discussed. Every chapter has been written by internationally renowned scientists and clinicians from all over the world; each with in depth knowledge, expertise and experience in the particular areas of swine mycoplasmas. In total, more than 40 persons have contributed as authors. Two independent reviewers and the editors have critically evaluated every chapter of the book, and original versions have been revised accordingly. This procedure should guarantee the evidence-based character of the book, the high scientific level and the practical relevance of the content. The book aims to serve the scientific and veterinary community and the swine industry worldwide. It may be relevant for scientists from universities, research institutes and diagnostic laboratories, persons involved in veterinary and animal science education, swine practitioners, and veterinarians and health professionals working in industry. We are grateful to all who have contributed to this book, to the companies that have supported the initiative to bring together all information related to swine Mycoplasma and helped with the distribution of the book, and last but not least to all colleagues who will read the book.