Small-scale pig keeping: preventing parasite build up in small-scale systems - The Pig Site

Posted: 28 Feb 2020 07:16 AM PST

I would wager that every outdoor reared pig in large or small-scale systems is exposed to parasitic worms, and carries some form of worm burden that needs to be managed.

Transmission of parasites can be either:

Directly - through contact with another pig and/or its fomites eg, faeces or mucus.
Indirectly - by using a paddock previously inhabited- even a few years ago - by a pig that shed parasite eggs.
Indirectly - via mechanical transfer eg, birds / rodents visiting the paddocks with parasite eggs on their feet.

Managing parasite populations on farm

Safely managing on-farm rodent populations as best you can will have an impact on parasite build-up but preventing visiting birds is more of a challenge. You can feed at dawn and/or dusk giving the pigs the time to eat their ration before the birds are awake and so make landing in the paddocks less inviting.

The risk factors for increasing environmental worm burdens include; introducing new pigs into your herd; exhibiting your pigs; boar hire where you loan the boar out or take in visiting sows; buying in fattening weaners that have not had the correct de-wormer administered; inadequate de-worming of the herd including incorrect dosing and/or frequency; the continual use of paddocks; believing and then using OTC herbal preparations or something you read is a 'natural' de-wormer on the internet eg, pumpkin seeds.

Preventing build-up in the pigs' environment starts with an effective de-worming plan for the herd and adhered to. This is mostly applicable to endoparasites (internal worms) as ectoparasites (external parasites) are primarily restricted to lice, mange mites and ticks, which are simple to kill by treating the whole herd with the appropriate product. Having external parasites that are allowed to build in number within the herd is a highly preventable welfare situation.

Traditionally pigs are de-wormed for endoparasites twice yearly, however, this is not a particularly strategic approach. It is fortuitous that not much over use of de-worming products has historically occurred, as in the sheep industry, and so reported resistances are currently low. That's not to say we can be complacent as resistance to de-worming products has been reported.

There is a growing trend to perform worm egg counts and then de-worm accordingly, followed by another worm egg count to prove efficacy. This may mean a reduction in de-worming frequency or an increase, depending upon the levels within your herd, but is a highly strategic approach.

To prevent parasite eggs being shed into the environment then it is important to choose a product that kills the worm eggs as well as the adult and larval stages of the parasite [see Table]. There are many available to the small-scale keeper, often easily added to their feed. Killing the worm eggs will effectively reduce the worm burden in your paddocks and may increase the time period before the paddock gets "pig sick" ie, has a high parasite burden. Interestingly, if you ever have a liver condemned at the abattoir due to "milk spot scarring" and the pigs are on your paddock for the preceding eight weeks or more, then you know you have the large white worm (Ascarid) eggs present..

In an ideal world you would de-worm your pigs with a product that kills worm eggs and then put those pigs in to a new paddock. In reality, lots of small-scale keepers do not have enough land to do this too often and so will not have that luxury. If you have to continually have to use the same paddocks then it would be prudent to increase the frequency of de-worming to perhaps quarterly. This would make sense even if you only keep a few fattening weaners in the warmer months once a year. For those of us who breed and so keep pigs year round and/or can have a few more paddocks than required may still not have an advantage. There is documented evidence that the eggs of the Ascarid worm can live for up to seven years in soil. Resting paddocks for seven years is a stretch for most of us.

Unfortunately, you can't just pour typical disinfectants on to mud as most are rapidly inactivated by organic material such as soil and faeces There are outdoor limed based outdoor/soil disinfectants available that are reported to kill parasite worm eggs (and spore forming bacteria) which you could try if you're having to deal with high parasite burdens. This needs to be performed as the pigs vacate the paddock when there is no vegetation and only earth/mud. You dampen the soil if it is dry and then sprinkle the powder at a rate of 500g per m². The product then heats the soil to approximately 70 ^◦C (158 ˚F) over a 24-hour period, and leaves it highly alkaline for the next couple of months. This combination kills most viruses, bacteria, and parasite eggs, effectively sterilising the paddock. The beauty of this product is that it is safe to return the animals after 24 hours and so hardly disrupts your husbandry. It is labour intensive and expensive, so if you have to choose which paddocks to treat then concentrate on isolation paddocks which have housed incoming stock, and the farrowing/weaning paddocks, which house the most susceptible pigs.

Zoetis Receives FDA Approval for Simparica Trio™, A New Combination Parasite Preventative for Dogs - BioSpace

Posted: 27 Feb 2020 07:54 PM PST

Feb. 27, 2020 19:00 UTC

PARSIPPANY, N.J.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Zoetis today announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Simparica Trio^TM (sarolaner, moxidectin, and pyrantel chewable tablets), the first once-monthly, chewable tablet in the U.S. that delivers all-in-one protection from heartworm disease, ticks and fleas, roundworms and hookworms. This combination product builds on the trusted legacy of Simparica^® (sarolaner) Chewables and exemplifies Zoetis' dedication to innovation in parasiticides.

"Today's approval of Simparica Trio in the United States provides veterinarians with a new and effective combination parasiticide for dogs," said Catherine A. Knupp, DVM, MS, Executive Vice President and President, Research and Development at Zoetis. "Combining the active ingredients sarolaner, moxidectin and pyrantel delivers a convenient broad-spectrum option for veterinarians to provide to dog owners. This innovation was developed by a global team of Zoetis scientists and continues our commitment to deliver new medicines that are needed by our veterinary customers and the pets in their care."

Studies that support the approval of Simparica Trio showed:

100% efficacy in preventing the development of heartworm disease.
≥98.9% effectiveness against existing tick infestations ^‡.
Onset of kill for fleas at four hours and demonstrated 100% efficacy at eight hours after initial administration.
Efficacy against adult hookworms (>94%)⁺ and adult roundworms (>99%)⁺⁺.

"Comprehensive parasite protection is a critical component of every annual wellness exam, and veterinarians should strongly recommend year-round, broad-spectrum protection for all patients," said Chris Adolph, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVM (Parasitology), Senior Veterinary Specialist at Zoetis. "Simparica Trio makes it easier for dog owners to follow their veterinarians' recommendations for parasite protection because it covers the most common parasites in just one convenient chewable."

Simparica Trio delivers on Zoetis' commitment to innovation in parasiticides

The introduction of Simparica Trio is just the latest example of Zoetis' commitment to next generation parasiticide products and solutions for veterinarians, enabling them to provide the best prevention and treatment options for pets. In addition to receiving this approval, Zoetis has received approval for two parasiticide innovations in the U.S. in the past 18 months to help protect dogs and cats from harmful pests. ProHeart^® 12 (moxidectin), which was approved in July 2019, is the only once-yearly injection to prevent heartworm disease in dogs 12 months of age and older. In November 2018, Zoetis received approval for Revolution^® Plus (selamectin and sarolaner topical solution), a combination topical product providing 6-in-1 parasite protection against fleas, ticks***, ear mites, roundworms, hookworms**** and heartworm disease for cats and kittens as young as eight weeks of age and weighing 2.8 pounds or greater.

Zoetis expects Simparica Trio to be available to veterinary customers by mid-to-late April. Simparica Trio chewable tablets will be available in six tablet strengths for dogs and puppies eight weeks of age and older weighing at least 2.8 lbs.

For more information, visit www.SimparicaTrioDVM.com.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SIMPARICA TRIO:

Use with caution in dogs with a history of seizures. Simparica Trio contains sarolaner, a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with neurologic adverse reactions including tremors, ataxia, and seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders. The safe use of Simparica Trio has not been evaluated in breeding, pregnant, or lactating dogs. The most frequently reported adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. See full Prescribing Information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR SIMPARICA:

Simparica is for use only in dogs 6 months of age and older. Simparica may cause neurologic signs such as tremors, unsteadiness and/or seizures in dogs with or without a history of neurologic disorders. Simparica has not been evaluated in pregnant, breeding or lactating dogs. The most common adverse reactions in clinical trials were vomiting and diarrhea. See full Prescribing Information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR PROHEART 12:

Use PROHEART 12 in dogs 12 months of age or older. Do not administer to dogs that are sick, debilitated, underweight, have a history of weight loss, or to those previously found to be hypersensitive to the drug. Hypersensitivity reactions may occur in some dogs when PROHEART 12 is administered alone or with vaccines. Anaphylactic and anaphylactoid reactions can result in death and should be treated immediately with the same measures used to treat hypersensitivity reactions to vaccines and other injectable products. The most common reported side effects in clinical trials were vomiting, lethargy, diarrhea, and anorexia. People should avoid inhalation, contact with eyes, or accidental self-injection. Certification is required before veterinarians and staff administer PROHEART 12. See full Prescribing Information.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION FOR REVOLUTION PLUS:

The safe use of Revolution Plus has not been established in kittens less than 8 weeks old or in breeding, pregnant or lactating cats. Reported side effects in clinical trials included lethargy and anorexia. Use with caution in cats with a history of neurologic disorders. Sarolaner, one of the ingredients in Revolution Plus, is a member of the isoxazoline class, which has been associated with adverse reactions such as tremors, ataxia, and seizures. Reactions have occurred in cats with or without a history of neurologic disorders. In humans, Revolution Plus may be irritating to skin and eyes. See full Prescribing Information.

About Zoetis

Zoetis is the leading animal health company, dedicated to supporting its customers and their businesses. Building on more than 65 years of experience in animal health, Zoetis discovers, develops, manufactures and commercializes medicines, vaccines and diagnostic products, which are complemented by biodevices, genetic tests and precision livestock farming. Zoetis serves veterinarians, livestock producers and people who raise and care for farm and companion animals with sales of its products in more than 100 countries. In 2019, the company generated annual revenue of $6.3 billion with approximately 10,600 employees. For more information, visit www.zoetis.com.

DISCLOSURE NOTICES

Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking statements, which reflect the current views of Zoetis with respect to business plans or prospects, expectations regarding products, including timing of shipments and other future events. These statements are not guarantees of future performance or actions. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties. If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if management's underlying assumptions prove to be incorrect, actual results may differ materially from those contemplated by a forward-looking statement. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. Zoetis expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. A further list and description of risks, uncertainties and other matters can be found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2019, including in the sections thereof captioned "Forward-Looking Statements and Factors That May Affect Future Results" and "Item 1A. Risk Factors," in our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and in our Current Reports on Form 8-K. These filings and subsequent filings are available online at www.sec.gov, www.zoetis.com, or on request from Zoetis.

*Lone Star tick (Amblyomma americanum), Gulf Coast tick (Amblyomma maculatum), American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis), black-legged or deer tick (Ixodes scapularis), and brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus)

**Roundworms (Toxocara canis and Toxacaris leonina) & hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum and Uncinaria stenocephala)

^‡ Simparica Trio demonstrated ≥99.4% effectiveness 72 hours after treatment of existing Amblyomma americanum infestations

⁺Nemex-2 Package Insert

⁺⁺Toxascaris leonina data derived from Nemex-2 clinical studies

***Black-legged or deer tick, Gulf Coast tick, and American dog tick

****Roundworm (Toxocara cati) & hookworm (Ancylostoma tubaeforme)

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200227005871/en/

Search This Blog

Parasitic Diseases