Air filtration systems an important part of swine biosecurity


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Air filtration systems an important part of swine biosecurity

Most hog farms utilize air filtration systems to help prevent against airborne diseases like influenza A and PRRS.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed best methods for detecting and extracting captured virus particles from swine barn air filters.

College of Veterinary Medicine Professor Montse Torremorell tells Brownfield this will help pig farmers understand where infections come from.

“Some of those filters over time can develop leaks. Basically what that means is that the air may bypass the filter material. It might just go through the sides of the filter, or through other cracks that the building may have.”

And she says now is a critical time to look for those or any other biosecurity threat.

“Some of these diseases that can be transmitted through the air increase in the fall and winter, so it’s always good for the producer to do a very good inspection and a very good assessment of where they are in their biosecurity program.”

Torremorell says air filtration is an important part of that program, but so are people, transport, and the introduction of other tools on the farm.

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