SHIC Helps to Offer a New Approach on Feed Mitigation Evaluation

Contaminated feed has been documented as a risk factor for the transboundary and domestic movement of viral pathogens, including porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), African swine fever virus (ASFV), and Seneca Virus A (SVA, a surrogate for foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)). A new study, partially funded by the Swine Health Information Center, examines four feed additives, including medium chain fatty acid blends, organic acid mixtures and acid/aldehydes, to determine their ability to negatively affect viral survival. Data from this study suggest that the use of validated additives may reduce the risk of viral infection via contaminated feed.

The test model was designed to represent field conditions, involving large groups of feed and tonnage of feed, and a point-in-time challenge model. In this study, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), PRRSV 174, and SVA were manually dropped into each feed bin to represent contamination of prepared feed on the farm. Under the conditions of the study, feed in all bins was successfully contaminated, resulting in delivery of all three viruses to all rooms.

Transmission of PRRSV, PEDV, and SVA via feed was documented in the positive control group. No product sterilized the feed and there were no significant differences in effectiveness among the feed additives. Based on average daily gain calculations, all products proved to be beneficial to pig health and performance when compared to the positive control group.

Feed additives used in the study:

The project is a collaboration between Pipestone Applied Research, who is testing the mitigants under farm conditions, and Kansas State University, who will use the data to apply mitigant research directly to the ASFV. It will be repeated with five different feed additives during the fall of 2019. And, the complete results of the project will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.

Funded by America’s pork producers to protect and enhance the health of the US swine herd, the Swine Health Information Center focuses its efforts on prevention, preparedness, and response. As a conduit of information and research, SHIC encourages sharing of its publications and research for the benefit of swine health. Forward, reprint, and quote SHIC material freely. For more information, visit https://www.swinehealth.org or contact Dr. Paul Sundberg at [email protected].