In Africa, pig significantly contributes to animal protein supply to enhance food security. Pig farming in Cameroon is subject to perpetual health threats, with the spread of several diseases which strongly impact the production. This study aimed to evaluate the biosecurity compliance in pig farms in the West Region of Cameroon and assess its relationship with production performance. During on farm visit and face to face interview, data about biosecurity, veterinary drug usage and production parameters were collected in 78 randomly selected farms from April and October 2024. Results showed that almost all of pig farms (98.7%) used antiparasitics and 94.9% used antibiotics for preventive (58.7%) or curative (41.3%) purposes. Vaccination against swine erysipelas was practiced by only 24.4% of farmers. More than half of the farms (64.1%) in the study area had a biosecurity score below 50 out of 100 and the average biosecurity score was 47 (ranged 28-66). Biosecurity measure related to personnel and visitors ranked the lowest score (21, range 0-71) while measures applied during farrowing and suckling period (77, range 20-100), and those associated with the environment and region (77, range 40-100) ranked the highest. The biosecurity level was significantly influenced by the years of experience and the training in pig farming of interviewees, the herd size, the type of breeds reared and the production type (farrower, grower‐finisher or farrow‐to‐finish). Findings revealed a moderate association between number of farrowings per sow per year and lactation length. A correlation was found between biosecurity and lactation length. The high mortality rate (44.64 ± 24.60%) recorded on farms with a poor level of biosecurity compared to others (15.45 ± 11.94%) shows the importance of biosecurity in the prevention and control of diseases and the improvement of production. The results of this study highlight the need for capacity building and awareness among farmers on the importance of implementing biosecurity measures for improving pig production.

Livestock production contributes to the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with pig farming accounting for a large share of veterinary antibiotic use. Manure application to fields can release drug-resistant bacteria and AMR genes into the environment, creating potential transmission routes to humans. Mobile genetic elements such as plasmids and transposons facilitate horizontal transfer of AMR genes between bacteria, including pathogens. However, quantitative data on the manure resistome and its links to antibiotic use remain limited. Shotgun metagenomics provides broad insights into microbiota and AMR composition, with long-read sequencing offering improved resolution of the genomic context of AMR genes. Here, we applied long-read shotgun metagenomics to investigate the diversity, abundance, and mobility potential of AMR genes in 24 manure samples from 14 Swiss pig farms with documented antibiotic use. Across 24 manure samples, 225 distinct AMR genes were detected, with tetracycline resistance genes being most prevalent. Manure samples from farms reporting the highest recent antibiotic use contained greater AMR gene abundance and richness. Metagenomic assemblies revealed that 77% of AMR genes with resolved flanking regions were located near transposases, recombinases, integrases, or relaxases, suggesting high transfer potential. The tigecycline resistance gene tet(X6) and related variants were identified in 21 of 24 samples, frequently embedded within mobile genetic elements. Two samples contained complete gene clusters of the vancomycin resistance determinant vanB, one of which was part of the conjugative transposon Tn1549. In one sample, a single highly abundant plasmid encoding beta-lactam and aminoglycoside resistance accounted for 42% of the total AMR gene load. Pig manure is a reservoir of diverse and mobile AMR genes, including those conferring resistance to critically important antibiotics. Long-read metagenomics adds valuable genomic context, supporting AMR monitoring and risk assessment within a One Health framework.

The epidemiology of swine influenza A virus (swIAV) has undergone a change from causing mainly epidemic infections to continuous endemic circulation within herds. Several studies have traced the within-herd swIAV transmission pattern. However, studies with more frequent samplings of targeted age groups are needed to increase the current understanding of virus transmission dynamics. In addition, data on the efficacy of different intervention methods for reducing swIAV spread are highly relevant for disrupting endemic swIAV infections. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the weekly influenza infection dynamics and evaluate subsequent interventions, including vaccination and management changes. Two batches of pigs in two sow herds (Herd 1 and 2) were sampled with nasal swabs and blood samples from one week of age to the end of the nursery period. In each batch, ten sows were included with each six piglets including three cross-fostered and three of the sows own piglets. Nasal swabs were tested for the presence of swIAV, and blood samples were tested for swIAV antibodies using ELISA and HI-test. In Herd 2, interventions including pre-farrowing vaccination, limited cross-fostering, litter-wise weaning and disinfection of tools and hands were implemented during a second round of sampling in two batches as described above. In both herds, an endemic presence of swIAV was observed, with Herd 1 having one circulating swIAV subtype (H1C.2.4N2G) circulating in the farrowing unit and Herd 2 having two swIAV strains (H1C.2.4N2G and H1N1pdm09) circulating both before and after weaning. Maternally derived swIAV antibodies were successfully transferred from sow to piglets, but despite high levels, swIAV infections was observed in the piglets down to one week of age and a lack of subsequent seroconversion was observed. The implementation of pre-farrowing vaccination increased the level of swIAV antibodies in sows and piglets but had no obvious effect on viral shedding and clinical disease. The endemic state of swIAV infections in sow herds was clearly illustrated in this study along with the difficulties in controlling swIAV through vaccinations and management changes in an environment that favours virus circulation.

In view of its massive financial impact related to increased preweaning mortality and poor growth performance, neonatal diarrhoea in piglets is widely regarded as one of the most common issues in modern swine production. Currently, the diarrhoea of undetermined aetiology arises as a complex diagnostic problem in several pig-rearing countries; therefore, the role of agents with not completely established clinical importance, such as non-group A rotaviruses (RVs), should be taken into consideration in a differential diagnosis procedure. The aim of this study was to report the detection of RVB acting as a potential causative agent of porcine diarrhoea. The investigation was conducted in a Polish commercial, high-performing farm with 3,300 sows weaning piglets in weekly batches. For the scope of this research, five 3-day-old dead diarrhoeic piglets were collected. All the animals originated from different litters displaying clinical signs regarded as typical of rotaviral enteritis. Prior to the NGS investigation, all the piglets sampled in our current investigation were tested negative for diarrhoea-associated viruses (RVA, RVC, TGEV, PEDV) using commercially available PCR setups. The NGS data for the faecal sample resulted in 510,843 reads after adapter trimming. 981 reads were assigned at species level to RVB (strain GCZ04) during read classification. The genotype constellation of the strain was found to be typical for swine viruses and the nucleotide identities of the segments of the strain were within the cut off values established for different genotypes. The remaining viral reads were annotated to porcine kobuvirus (PKV) (23 reads). Furthermore, the analysis revealed presence of the following taxa: Qubevirus faecium (334 reads), and Gaprivervirus (1 read). Our study reports the first molecular detection of porcine RVB in faecal samples collected from pigs reared on a commercial swine farm in Poland. Since the material was obtained from clinically affected animals and RVB was proven dominant among viral reads obtained during the NGS investigation, the virus may be considered as a potential causative agent of diarrhoeal disease in suckling piglets. Moreover, our research provides the tenth porcine RVB genome in Europe. The identities and phylogenetic clustering of different segment sequences to those from North America, Asia or Europe may suggest a complex evolutionary history of the Polish strain.

Despite extensive research on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), herd-level management strategies vary considerably according to geographical area and depend significantly on many factors. Swine veterinarians play a key role in PRRS management; however, their practices, perceptions, and decision-making processes remain insufficiently described. This study aimed to characterize distinct profiles of European swine veterinarians and explore how these profiles relate to their experience with PRRSV stabilization programmes. A cross-sectional online survey targeting swine veterinarians in 22 European countries was conducted between 2023 and 2024 (600 sent questionnaires). The questionnaire covered sociodemographic data, professional interactions, engagement with evidence-based veterinary medicine (EBVM), PRRS management strategies, and stabilization programme experience. Multivariate analysis and hierarchical clustering on principal components were used to identify practitioner profiles and explore their associations with PRRS control-related variables. Among 108 respondents, five thematic blocks revealed a significant heterogeneity in veterinary profiles. Three distinct clusters were identified per thematic which were related to two PRRS context profiles and four stabilization outcome groups (“total success”, “partial success due to farmer limitations”, “partial success due to technical limitations” and “never implemented”). Successful implementation of PRRSV stabilization programmes was more frequently associated with veterinarians with long-lasting experience, open to EBVM, well-integrated in collaborative networks, and who had reliable access to diagnostic tools and vaccines. This study highlights the diversity of European swine veterinarians in their approach to PRRS control, and the profile of veterinarians most likely associated with successful PRRS management. These profiles can help inform more effective training, policy, and communication interventions aimed at improving disease control outcomes in swine production systems.

The prevalence of human salmonellosis associated with pork products remains a significant concern for public health authorities within the European Union. Despite the implementation of national programs in some member states with the objective of controlling the infection of Salmonella in farms, the proportion of human cases involving swine-associated Salmonella serotypes has remained constant in recent years, and the majority of these programs were either discontinued or reduced to biosecurity guidance. This article discusses the reasons for the lack of success of these programs, including the focus on the growing-finishing period without consideration of earlier stages of production, the structure of the pig sector, the limited and unrepresentative sampling carried out in the programs, and the use of imperfect serological tests, which have likely resulted in biased estimates of the true health status of the herds. A potential comprehensive approach is proposed, based on predicting the risk of Salmonella shedding prior to the arrival of pigs at the slaughter. This knowledge would be combined with the administration of on-farm additives (i.e. organic acids, bacteriophages) during the days prior to slaughter. It would help to reduce shedding in those batches with a high risk of shedding and decrease slaughter environmental contamination. Furthermore, this approach would contribute to obtain more accurate information regarding the Salmonella status of the pig farms.

BackgroundCystoisospora suis (C. suis) infects piglets in their first week of life and can subsequently lead to diarrhoea and production losses. The detection of C. suis oocysts relies mostly on the collection of piglet faeces as sampling material and analysis through flotation and autofluorescence microscopy, which involves repeated sampling. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the use of sponges for environmental sampling for the detection of C. suis via real-time PCR and its suitability for surveillance programs applied on farms.ResultsAll farms included in the study were positive for C. suis according to qPCR, with positivity rates ranging from 20 to 100%. The frequency of positive cases was 68% for faecal samples and 67% for samples collected by sponges. The alignment between the different sampling protocols was 100% achieved at the farm level. In the case of the individual pair samples, a difference in 27 samples was observed (10.8%). Considering the faecal sampling strategy as the gold standard, the sensitivity of the sampling protocol with sponges was 91.2%, and the specificity was 84.8%. Compared with the sponge-collected samples, the faecal samples presented slightly greater DNA masses, with a correlation coefficient of r = 0.51, indicating a moderate positive relationship between the two sampling methods. An influence towards a higher DNA load with samples with a pasty and semiliquid consistency was observed, mainly in the case of the sponge technique.ConclusionsOur results indicate that the collection of faecal samples at the litter or farm level and comparisons with environmental samples yield similar detection rates when sampling is combined with qPCR. From that perspective, the use of sponges for the detection of C. suis in organic material from the farrowing crate environment can be considered a good alternative to the more laborious and time-consuming collection of faecal samples.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40813-025-00454-5.

This study aims to investigate the effects of maternal supplementation with galactooligosaccharides (GOS) on intestinal digestion, absorption, and barrier function of offspring. Twenty four late-pregnant Ningxiang sows were randomly assigned into 3 treatments, including basic diet, basic diet with 0.5% GOS, basic diet with 100 mg/kg aureomycin, 20mg/kg ciprofloxacin and 10mg/kg vancomycin. The results showed that maternal dietary supplementation of GOS increased the body weight and average daily gain, reduced the diarrhea score of piglets, and increased the activities of digestive enzymes including maltase and α-amylase. Maternal GOS improved the intestinal barrier integrity and function of piglets, which exhibiting with increased ileal ratio of villus to crypt, and higher expressions of secretory immunoglobulin A, tight junction protein and mucin-2 in ileum. Maternal GOS treatment increased the contents of anti-inflammatory factors IL-4, IL-10 and TGF-β, but decreased the contents of pro-inflammatory factors IL-1β, IL-6 in the ileum and colon of piglets. In addition, piglets in maternal GOS treatment had increased abundance of probiotics in the colonic contents, as well as higher short-chain fatty acids concentrations in the colonic and cecal contents. Overall, this study provides data support for the nutritional regulation of maternal supplementation with 0.5% GOS to promote intestinal health of offspring.Graphical abstractMaternal dietary supplementation with GOS can enhance the intestinal health of piglets

BackgroundSurgical castration causes severe pain to young piglets. In addition, piglets experience intense stress from handling and restraining during the procedure. Furthermore, piglets must be restrained twice when receiving local anesthesia before castration, and the injections are painful. Unfortunately, strategies to reduce piglets’ stress during handling, local anesthetic injections, and painful procedures are limited and poorly understood. Thus, we randomized 179 male piglets aged 3 to 4 days to be restrained with either a commonly used commercial tubular bench with a dorsal restraining posture or a custom-made castration rack with a vertical restraining posture. Piglets received local anesthetic or sham injections (mimicking local anesthesia but without skin penetration) 10 min before castration. We then compared the effect of these devices on the piglets’ behavioral reactions, vocalizations, and body temperatures at the following four times: when restrained for the first time, when given local anesthetic injections or receiving sham injections, during the second time restrained, and during castration.ResultsPiglets were given higher mean reaction scores when restrained in the tubular bench than the castration rack. Piglets showed differing vocalization patterns in the two devices, with more grunts and screams in the castration rack and more squeals in the tubular bench. Moreover, local anesthetic injections resulted in higher mean reaction scores and longer vocalizations than sham injections during the injections/sham injections but reduced these measures during castration. After castration, the skin temperature was higher in sham-injected piglets than in piglets castrated with local anesthesia, irrespective of the restraining device used.ConclusionsLocal anesthesia reduced piglets’ reaction scores and vocalizations during castration. However, receiving local anesthesia was painful. Based on piglet behavior, restraining in a tubular bench was more aversive than in the castration rack. However, the devices affected the proportions of the different vocalization types during local anesthetic injections and castration in a manner we cannot fully explain. As the restraining method affects piglets’ behavior, it may influence pain assessment during local anesthetic injections and evaluation of local anesthesia efficacy during castration. Thus, less stressful methods to handle piglets are needed.