October 2025 - Journal_FINAL_e - Flipbook - Page 6
Health
Beat the Bug, Build the Future:
FIGHTING INFLUENZA
Emily McDowell, DVM
Veterinarian
Pipestone Veterinary Services
Dr. Emily McDowell grew up on a grain and livestock farm near Primghar
in northwest Iowa. She earned her DVM from Iowa State University
in 2011. In 2013, Emily joined Pipestone, where she continues to
collaborate with independent family farmers, bringing her expertise and
passion for veterinary medicine to the agricultural community.
Crisp air, the hustle and bustle of harvest, bon昀椀res,
football, and pumpkin spice everything—all remind
us of the beauty of fall. Unfortunately, the season also
brings back the all-too-familiar hack of in昀氀uenza in pigs.
Effectively managing in昀氀uenza not only protects herd
health but also helps secure the long-term productivity
of the farm.
Understanding In昀氀uenza in Pigs
In昀氀uenza is a virus that circulates commonly in all stages
of pigs in the Midwest and throughout the world.
Pipestone’s approach is to eliminate in昀氀uenza where
possible at the source, which is often the sow farm. In
sows, this can be accomplished through vaccination
and eliminating in昀氀uenza circulation in growing gilts
and in the farrowing house. Unfortunately, there is no
highly effective vaccine to protect growing pigs from
becoming infected.
Pipestone continues to be a leader, pushing for
in昀氀uenza elimination, both for managed sow farms
and for the industry. Since our initial efforts for better
in昀氀uenza control about seven years ago, we have made
signi昀椀cant progress in weaning more negative pigs to
shareholders. Still, there is work to be done.
In昀氀uenza is extremely common in
the grow-昀椀nish phase of production.
Transmission occurs through direct
contact and airborne routes. Management
practices such as reducing stressors and
implementing all-in/all-out systems with
proper cleaning and disinfection can help
reduce infection risk.
In昀氀uenza presents both acutely and
subclinically. Acute cases show sudden
onset of coughing, fever, and nasal
discharge, with lethargy being another
common sign. Astute producers who
monitor water consumption often pick up
in昀氀uenza infections 24–36 hours before
clinical signs appear. In subclinical cases,
respiratory signs may be less obvious. The
severity of breaks and production losses
is often worse with co-infections such as
PRRS or Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.
Results of Pipestone’s in昀氀uenza elimination initiative show steady progress in
reducing positive cases at sow farms and weaning more in昀氀uenza-negative pigs
to shareholders.
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When in昀氀uenza 昀椀rst appears, there
are many common next steps. Antiin昀氀ammatories are often used to lower
fevers and improve pig activity. During
illness, caretakers should enter barns
more often to stir pigs and encourage
them to get up, eat, and drink. While
