Control of Trueperella in breeders by the use of autogenous vaccines

Klaus Truschner (1) und Isabel Hennig-Pauka (2)

1 Field Station for Epidemiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Germany

2 Tierarztpraxis Dr. Klaus Truschner, Vet Competence Center, Ried im Traunkreis, Austria

The third abortion within four weeks - unusual for this large Austrian farm, which is one of the most productive in the country with over 30 weaned piglets per sow per year. Thanks to well-organized management and a strict hygiene concept realized by a dedicated farmer, the return-to-oestrus rate is normally only 4%. Abortions had not occurred for a long time. 

Four years ago, this was still a large problem when Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV) circulated in the herd. Since then, sows have been vaccinated against this pathogen two weeks after farrowing by the veterinarian himself on a reproductive basis. Pregnancy check and recording is also carried out regularly by the veterinarian himself, so that changes in the reproductive cycle are also noticed immediately. Was there now a PRRSV vaccination gap after all? Are there other reasons for the abortions that are not infectious in nature? 

Experience has shown that 70-80% of all abortions do not have an infectious cause. However, in the event of an abortion, diagnostic clarification and, above all, exclusion of epizootic pathogens (Brucellosis, Aujeszky's disease, Classical Swine Fever and African Swine Fever) must be carried out immediately. For this reason, the aborted piglets, which already had a size of about 20 cm, are sent together with the placenta properly packaged and well cooled to the diagnostic laboratory with the request for clarification of the infectious cause of the disease. In Germany, the shipment of specimen material normally falls into the category of "exempt veterinary specimen" (non-infectious substances) and is labeled as such. This allows the material to be sent by mail if it is transported in packaging that prevents any release of possible pathogens. In general, the packaging should consist of three components: a liquid-tight primary container wrapped in absorbent material, a waterproof secondary packaging and a solid outer packaging.