Farm management practices, biosecurity and influenza a virus detection in swine farms: a comprehensive study in Colombia

Abstract

Biosecurity protocols (BP) and good management practices are key to reduce the risk of introduction and transmission of infectious diseases into the pig farms. In this observational cross-sectional study, survey data were collected from 176 pig farms with inventories over 100 sows in Colombia. We analyzed a complex survey dataset to explore the structure and identify clustering patterns using Multiple Correspondence Analysis (MCA) of swine farms in Colombia, and estimated its association with Influenza A virus detection. Two principal dimensions contributed to 27.6% of the dataset variation. Farms with highest contribution to dimension 1 were larger farrow-to-finish farms, using self-replacement of gilts and implementing most of the measures evaluated. In contrast, farms with highest contribution to dimension 2 were medium to large farrow-to-finish farms, but implemented biosecurity in a lower degree. Additionally, two farm clusters were identified by Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA), and the odds of influenza A virus detection was statistically different between clusters (OR 7.29, CI: 1.7,66, p = < 0.01). Moreover, after logistic regression analysis, three important variables were associated with higher odds of influenza detection: (1) “location in an area with a high density of pigs”, (2) “farm size”, and (3) “after cleaning and disinfecting, the facilities are allowed to dry before use”. Our results revealed two clustering patterns of swine farms. This systematic analysis of complex survey data identified relationships between biosecurity, husbandry practices and influenza status. This approach helped to identify gaps on biosecurity and key elements for designing successful strategies to prevent and control swine respiratory diseases in the swine industry.

Genomic diversity and evolutionary dynamics of Influenza A viruses in Colombian swine: implications for one health surveillance and control

“…As the swine population grows to meet rising demand, there is a greater likelihood of disease transmission among pigs. Several studies have shown that higher densities of pig farms and increased animal movement and transportation within different regions of the country, from and between swine farms, slaughterhouses, and markets, may facilitate the spread of SIV [ 21 , 42 , 44 ]. Moreover, these increased interactions between humans and pigs can lead to zoonotic or reverse zoonotic transmission of IAVs as demonstrated in other countries [ 45 ].…”

Assessment of slaughterhouse-based measures as animal welfare indicators in fattening pigs

“…Respiratory disease management represents one of the most challenging problems in the swine industry, because of the multifactorial etiology associated with respiratory diseases such as housing conditions on the farm, population density, and biosecurity (Ciuoderis-Aponte et al, 2022). Therefore, it is expected that pigs reared under commercial conditions have a high probability of developing respiratory compromise before slaughter (Rampelotto et al, 2022).…”

Correction to: Farm management practices, biosecurity and influenza a virus detection in swine farms: a comprehensive study in Colombia

“…Following publication of the original article [ 1 ], it was noted that the Given and Family names of Karl Ciuoderis-Aponte, Andres Diaz, Carlos Muskus, Juan Hernández-Ortiz and Jorge Osorio were transposed. Furthermore, affiliation 2 incorrectly listed the city and country as Hendersonville, North Carolina, USA.…”

“…It should be Querato, Mexico. The correct authorship panel and affiliation is shown in this Correction article and the original article [ 1 ] has been updated.…”