Technical measures for the prevention and control of swine diseases in winter

　　Northern and western regions of our country have entered a period of low temperature and cold weather, and temperatures in southern and eastern regions will gradually decrease and become colder. So, after entering the cold season, what key technical measures should large-scale pig farms take in disease prevention and control?

　　1. Further strengthen the control of the main gates, sewage gates, and pig-out platforms that connect the pig farm with the outside world. Similar to the practice of a "military control zone," vehicles, pedestrians, and external items should be completely prohibited from entering, ensuring that the first important aspect of biosafety measures is implemented effectively.

　　Numerous research results have confirmed that the occurrence of various animal infectious diseases requires three basic elements: the source of infection (pathogen) → transmission route → susceptible animals. These three elements are indispensable. Therefore, in this disease prevention and control chain, the only aspect we should focus on is the transmission route. Moreover, we can only work on this aspect.

　　1.1 In small-scale pig farms where employees work in the production area, eat and live in the living area, and the living area is integrated with the office area, all frontline personnel must change clothes and shoes in the disinfection room each time they enter and exit the production area, undergo ultraviolet light irradiation for 10 minutes or spray disinfection, and then wash their hands before entering.

　　1.2 If the production area, living area, and office area are relatively independent and relatively closed functional areas, frontline employees entering and leaving the living area for meals or rest only need to undergo ultraviolet light irradiation or spray disinfection, hand washing disinfection, and shoe changing (without changing work clothes) in the disinfection room. However, farm managers, workshop directors, technicians, and ordinary employees engaged in frontline production must change their clothes and shoes in the disinfection room each time they enter and exit the office area, and undergo a strict procedure of ultraviolet light irradiation or spray disinfection and hand washing disinfection.

　　1.3 At the entrances and exits of the production area and living area, not only should disinfection changing rooms and foot-operated disinfection pools be matched, but the disinfection pools should also continuously contain caustic soda disinfectant solution at a concentration of 3-4%, with a depth of 10-15 cm, and be replaced every 5-7 days. If the temperature is low and there is ice, an appropriate amount of salt can be added to prevent freezing.

　　2. Effectively implement the immunization procedures established by the farm to carry out immunization work for all types of pig populations. This is an important measure for pig populations to obtain a specific immune biosafety barrier through artificial means.

　　2.1 In the winter season, in addition to immunizing pig populations in stages according to the planned immunization program, consideration should also be given to the safe overwintering of pig populations. It is recommended to adopt a "blanket" approach to swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, blue ear disease, and gastric flu combined vaccines, so that the pig populations maintain a high "combat readiness" state against threatening diseases.

　　（——China Veterinary Drug Association）