Biosecurity in Swine Production: Widespread concerns?

Biosecurity can be defined as procedures, efforts and programmes established to reduce the risk of disease introduction into pig populations (Conner, 2001). Moreover, it can slow down the transmission of endemic pathogens (viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi) thus limiting the spread of disease at the herd, region or country level. Good herd biosecurity is therefore essential to protect herd health status but it is also important when implementing a program for control or eradication of diseases at a regional level. Geographical location of the farm and pig density in the area are two significant factors in the epidemiology of several diseases but, in general, producers do not have much control over them. Fortunately, affordable air filters will soon be available for on-farm use to prevent aerosol transmission of certain pathogens between sites. However, these filters will never compensate for other biosecurity breaches.