Agriculture Victoria has found roundworm (Ascaris suum) in one-third of pig herds tested as part of a free new animal health program.
Agriculture Victoria Principal Veterinary Officer Dianne Phillips and her team have undertaken testing on 45 herds statewide to help raise awareness of the risks to herd health.
‘The large roundworm is found in the small intestine of pigs and left untreated, it can reduce growth rates by up to 10 per cent in piglets, particularly in the 6-12 week old age bracket,’ Dr Phillips said.
‘Roundworm parasites can block the small intestines and bile duct of heavily infested pigs.’
Roundworm eggs can survive on pastures and even concrete floors for up to 10 years, which presents a further risk to pig herds.
‘The best thing you can do for your herd is to get them tested – we have spaces available and it’s a great chance for pig owners to ask staff any questions they may have,” Dr Phillips said.
Agriculture Victoria aims to test 200 small, medium and largescale herds across the state as part of the biosecurity program funded through Victoria’s Swine Compensation Fund .
Faecal samples are collected for free roundworm and whipworm testing and results reported back with information about treatment and management options.
‘There have been no whipworm detections in the pigs tested to date, which is great news for owners,’ Dr Phillips said.
‘Whipworms (Trichuris suis) are found in the large intestine and can cause bloody diarrhoea, with affected pigs losing up to 20% bodyweight and suffering 10 per cent mortality rate.’
Strongyle eggs, potentially from a number of internal parasites, have been detected in over 50% of the sites tested – if left untreated, they can reach high numbers and impact pig health and welfare.
As well as providing free worm testing, Agriculture Victoria staff have helped pig owners to identify and reduce animal health risks through developing an on-farm biosecurity plan.
‘An effective biosecurity plan is key to keeping out pests, disease, weeds and contaminants from your property, many of which can seriously impact pig health and welfare,’ Dr Phillips said.
‘Implementing an effective biosecurity plan is the key to reducing risks to pig health, including emergency animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.’
