Research
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Predicting leg soundness through biochemical assessment of gait in pigs
The aim of this project is to develop objective methods of assessing locomotion in pigs which could help to identify at a relatively early stage those pigs likely to develop a foot or a leg problem later in life because of their conformation or structural development.
Enhancing the Impact of Regional Health Improvement Programmes
The aims of this study are to assist the pig industry in the understanding of how PRRS and SD persist in the national GB pig herd, and how this relates to introduction and persistence in individual herds.
Towards an eradication strategy for Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae from the UK pig herd
The aims of this project are to develop and validate a diagnostic tool for the detection of Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and to propose a protocol on how EP can be eradicated from the UK pig herd.
Towards defining differential markers for virulent and avirulent B hyodysenteriae isolates
Recently, strains of B. hyodysenteriae that cause no SD or very mild symptoms of SD (asymptomatic strains) have been reported in addition to those inducing severe diseases (symptomatic strains). To-date these two variants cannot be easily differentiated; therefore a diagnostic test based on clear variations in genes and/or proteins between both types is needed to be able to distinguish between them.
Interaction of PRRSV with innate immunity
This project aims to investigate the influence of different strains of virus on their ability to cause disease and what role the immune response of the host to both the virus itself and secondary infections, plays in the outcome of disease.
Investigation into the epidemiology of PRRS
This study aimed at identifying risk factors for active PRRS infection at farm level and evaluating current PRRS surveillance
Evaluation of a PCRR assay for PRRS virus in saliva
Following reports from the US that oral fluids may prove a useful and convenient diagnostic measure of group disease status in pigs, the aim of this study was to investigate the potential of this methodology in the UK herd, using Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSv) as the target pathogen.
Development of an Acute Phase Protein Index as an objective indicator of sub-clinical disease status in pigs
This project aimed to assess the feasibility of using selected serum acute phase proteins (APP) to develop an index as a marker for sub-clinical disease in pigs.
Pleurisy in pigs: associated risk factors and impact on health, welfare and performance
This project has provided clear messages on the management factors that can reduce or exacerbate pleurisy. The substantial cost of pleurisy and associated disease both to producers and processors has been highlighted, and recommendations for optimized investigation and diagnosis of farm-specific causes were developed.
Aetiology, pathogenesis and immunology of porcine post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome: genetic-environmental interactions
This project comprises a unique interdisciplinary approach to investigate this endemic disease and will integrate modern scientific techniques from epidemiology, genetics, microbiology, pathology, molecular immunology and environmental science to identify why PMWS occurs, leading to new control methods.
Health management strategies in finishing pigs
The broad objective of this project was to evaluate the cost-benefit of preventative management strategies designed to improve the health and productivity of finishing pigs. The focus was on husbandry procedures which can be adopted to reduce infectious challenge, optimise the microclimate for the pig and reduce stress.
Cost benefit analysis of health management strategies in finishing pigs
This PhD research explored the use of different preventative disease management strategies for pigs and their ability to improve detection and limit the spread of disease, thus improving the overall health and productivity of finishing pigs.
Joint-ill in piglets and its consequences for production losses in the grower-finisher herd
This project aimed to establish whether animals treated for joint-ill as piglets suffer reoccurrence of joint problems later in life, or, if cases observed later in life are actually new cases with a different cause.
Risk factors for pig disease
This project was designed to generate information which would be useful to develop herd health strategies for the British pig industry that will promote animal health and welfare, lead to improved productivity and to a reduced incidence of foodborne zoonoses including Salmonella.
On-farm epidemiology of major enteric diseases
The objective of this project was to achieve a better understanding of the transmission of diseases by vectors on pig farms by studying their role in the epidemiology and control of key diseases – Lawsonia, PCV 2b and Brachyspira.
Does the rearing environment affect the incidence of zoonotic infections in pigs?
This project aimed to address the question of whether differences in rearing environment on pig farms can affect incidence of zoonotic infections in pigs.
A comparison of the efficacy of sow versus individual piglet vaccination against PCV2
The aim of this project was to compare the health and performance of unvaccinated pigs to that of individually vaccinated pigs, to pigs from vaccinated mothers and to individually vaccinated pigs from vaccinated mothers in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment.
Efficiency of some disinfectant compounds against porcine bacterial pathogens
Seven chemical disinfectants were tested against 10 species of porcine bacterial pathogens that are common in UK pig units, using the British Standard method BS EN 1656:2000. A range of temperature conditions, two contact times and two levels of organic soiling were included.
The impact of respiratory disease in the GB pig industry
This project used data gathered as part of a DEFRA/BPEX-funded project on post weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) to investigate respiratory diseases in 116 pig herds.
Control of Porcine Circovirus Disease (PCVD)
The objective of this project was to generate scientifically sound information on the causes and the early development of Porcine Circovirus Diseases (PCVDs).
Epidemiology of PMWS