Biosecurity and managing risk
Even in a closed herd there can be IAV-S transmission.1 This makes biosecurity an essential aspect of IAV-S control. Personnel in a swine operation can work to prevent transmission of IAV-S from other farms or groups of pigs by following proper farm entrance procedures and hygiene, including:
- Showering in and/or changing coveralls
- Washing hands or wearing gloves, and
- Not working directly with swine when experiencing influenza-like illness.2
Disinfectants should be used to clean tools and equipment daily, after the rooms are cleaned, and before new animals are moved in.3 Some of the disinfectants recommended by APHIS for control of IAV-S are hydrogen peroxide, o-Phenylphenol, alkyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride, and peroxyacetic acid.4
Management of risk
To reduce the risk of gilts transmitting IAV-S into a herd, common practices include use of a gilt development unit (GDU) or isolation of new replacement animals for a period of time. Both allow for the testing and acclimation of gilts prior to entry into the breeding population. Because gilts are at a high risk of infection, adequate monitoring and immunization strategies are needed.1
Pre-weaned pigs present a particular threat because of their variable immunity and vulnerability. They are more susceptible to infections, particularly during stressful events like commingling and weaning. Reducing risk of infection in pre-weaned pigs should include both monitoring and immunization as well as stringent biosecurity and sanitation measures.1
