Considerations for outdoor pig units
KYTHE Mackenzie, veterinary investigation o cer at SRUC talks all about the health and welfare of outdoor pigs.
Outdoor pigs are likely to have the space and the freedom to display normal behaviours which will be beneficial to their welfare. There may also be some health benefits such as reduced risk of respiratory disease compared to housed pigs.
There are, however, some key factors which require considering to maximise the health, welfare and productivity of outdoor pigs at all stages of production. Listed below is an overview of these considerations.
Environment
It is important to carefully consider the suitability of the ground for pigs and then consider what infrastructure is required and where it should be sited. Any infrastructure must be able to withstand wind and storm conditions.
Biosecurity
A plan to reduce the risk of introduction, establishment and spread of disease to, from and within the pig herd is essential and needs to be specific to each holding.
A major concern across the UK at present is African swine fever (ASF) which is present in Europe and if introduced to the country would have serious/ potentially devastating repercussions not just to the pig herd health and welfare but also to trade agreements and so the profitability of the industry.
Outdoor herds can be
at higher risk of disease because of their exposure to wildlife, as well as the public via footpaths.
1. Control wildlife and vermin.
Prevent contact with wild boars or feral pigs or other cloven-hooved animals, a secure boundary fence is key. (ASF)
Reduce bird access/ contamination (E. coli and Salmonella).
Have a plan to control vermin and prevent them accessing pig feed (Trichinella).
2. Ban any type of pork product from the farm.
This is key for ASF control as the virus can survive for prolonged periods of time in products such as ham and sausages.
It is illegal to feed any kitchen scraps to pigs in the UK and this includes fruit and vegetables.
3. Isolate incoming pigs and implement vaccination program to match the farm policy.
4. Control access for people (sta, visitors and
the public) and vehicles.
Ensure all visitors sign in, use unit-provided overalls and boots and that they have not been in contact with any other pigs for at least 48 hours.
Use appropriate signage at the farm boundaries so members of the public do not feed the pigs or enter the pig pens. Keep any footpaths/rights of way through the premises at a safe distance away from the pigs (at least ten metres) and ask that visitors to keep to the footpaths.
Ensure vehicle delivery and collections are made as far away as possible from the pigs.
Parasitic disease
There is an increased risk of parasitic disease in outdoor pigs and the management approach should be to avoid the build up of eggs and larvae. When moving pigs on to fresh ground ensure they are parasite free.
Ascaris suum is a parasite of the small intestine. Infection can cause coughing in younger pigs and a reduced growth rate.
The eggs can survive for many years in the ground.
Metastrongylus apri is the pig lungworm and requires the earthworm to complete its lifecycle. Infected pigs can develop a chronic inflammation of the airways and a secondary bacterial infection may follow. The eggs can survive for up to a year in the soil and infected earthworms can survive for three years.
Sarcoptes scabei var suis causes sarcoptic mange which causes damage to the skin due to an intense pruritus (itchiness) this not only reduces feed intakes but can also result in damage to infrastructure.
Vaccine protocol
It is important to consider which infectious diseases pose a risk to pig health on a farm-to-farm basis.
Vaccines are also available for a wide range of other pathogens including: Porcine parvovirus; Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRS);
Swine influenza; Pasteurella multocida (Atrophic rhinitis); nd
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (enzootic pneumonia);
Haemophilus parasuis (Glässers disease), and
Lawsonia intracellularis (ileitis).
Ultimately if you are breeding and or rearing pigs outdoors in the UK it is important to consider the environment, biosecurity and disease factors present. Using a health plan devised with your vet will enhance the pig health, welfare and productivity.