Swine Industry Comes Together to Discuss Need for Biosecurity on Farms
Trans-boundary animal diseases are a real threat for pigs
MADISON, NJ, June 26, 2017 – In mid-May, Merck Animal Health (known as MSD Animal Health outside the USA and Canada) supported a discussion on preparedness for trans-boundary animal diseases with a focus on the role of stakeholders.
The meeting was hosted by the Fédération Européenne Pour la Santé Animale et la Sécurité Sanitaire (FESASS) in Brussels, Belgium. The meeting further reinforced the aim of the organization to defend and strengthen animal health and food safety. During the multiple sessions of the meeting, attendees had the opportunity to learn more about the impact of diseases; early disease detection and response; contingency planning and operational procedures and how best to improve their level of preparedness.
“Biosecurity is a major concern in the swine industry since it affects performance, economic results and can affect markets for trading when catastrophic diseases are present,” explains Carlos Piñeiro, Managing Director, PigChamp Europe who is currently partnering with MSD Animal Health on a biosecurity program. “As the industry is becoming more globalized, managing biosecurity at the farm level is vital to ensure we are managing challenges quickly, before they become global issues.”
At the close of the meeting, participants concluded that the promotion of early warning systems; managing each aspect of the production chain with an intent to focus on pain points; and best ways to promote incentives for farmer engagement were vital steps to take to increase the health of pigs and a strong food safety offering. They also acknowledged that there is no single solution that fits every case, but the discussion at the meeting was a step in the right direction.
Merck Animal Health recognizes the impact that biosecurity has on the food chain and the ability to maintain a plentiful food supply which is why the company is committed to ongoing efforts and programs to increase the awareness and impact of biosecurity systems.
Participants in a break out session discuss efforts to promote better biosecurity on swine farms.
About Merck Animal Health
For more than a century, Merck, a leading global biopharmaceutical company, has been inventing for life, bringing forward medicines and vaccines for many of the world’s most challenging diseases. Merck Animal Health, known as MSD Animal Health outside the United States and Canada, is the global animal health business unit of Merck. Through its commitment to the Science of Healthier Animals™, Merck Animal Health offers veterinarians, farmers, pet owners and governments one of the widest range of veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccines and health management solutions and services. Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals. It invests extensively in dynamic and comprehensive R&D resources and a modern, global supply chain. Merck Animal Health is present in more than 50 countries, while its products are available in some 150 markets. For more information, visit www.merck-animal-health.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter at @MerckAH.