HIGH HEALTH SYSTEMS

Waldo Farms, Nucleus Production Facilities have been recently repopulated with High Health pigs derived from Waldo elite genetic lines. These facilities are closed herd production sites, utilizing strict Biosecurity.

High Health Protocol Includes:

• Multiple Site Production
*Gestation/Farrowing, Nursery, Wean to Finish and Finishing sites

• Herd Health is monitored by
*Independent slaughter check evaluations
*Routine serology by independent Veterinarians

• Extensive serological testing
*Each contemporary group is serologically evaluated multiple times

WALDO FARMS - Committed to Quality
Currently delivering High Health
breeding stock throughout the industry.

PIG HEALTH 
Management is the key.

WALDO Farms is a leader in implementing pig health technologies. Over the years, we have learned from experience that practical pig health management is the key to a healthy, productive sow herd. The cornerstone of the WALDO pig health program is our genetically closed herd system. The resulting high immunity in our nucleus and multiplier herds is enhanced with the added protection of a common-sense vaccination program. The development of within-herd immunity is fundamental to successful pig health management. In recent years, Segregated Early Weaning (SEW) and All-In, All-Out (AIAO) have been employed. Sensible, every-day application of sound pig health management practices is most important.  The Nebraska SPF Association conducts regular slaughter health checks to provide an independent monitor on the effectiveness of our disease control program.

WALDO Farms urges each customer to develop sound pig isolation-acclimation procedures for their herd. We work together to arrange delivery of WALDO boars and/or gilts to an isolation facility of their choice. A minimum ISOLATION of 30 days (NO EXPOSURE to other pigs) is required before a blood re-test can be taken to verify lack of exposure to diseases such as Pseudorabies (PRV). Then, a minimum ACCLIMINATION period of 30 days (EXPOSURE to other swine from the destination herd) should be provided. Proper isolation and acclimation procedures are extremely important and provide the most sure way to exclude unwanted disease from a herd. Through vet-to-vet conferences, your veterinarian can consult with the WALDO Farms veterinarian on health issues. Call us for more information.

LIMIT OF LIABILITY — PIG HEALTH.  Waldo Farms continuously monitors pig health status and conforms to or exceeds State and Federal health regulations governing the movement of swine breeding stock. Even so, because of unknown biological variables and limits on diagnostic technology, it is impossible to assure our customers of what disease organism(s) a pig does NOT carry. Therefore, Waldo Farms CANNOT and DOES NOT guarantee the health status or the absence of any disease in any delivered animal or semen.

WALDO Pig Health Management

• Closed herd system
• Whole-herd vaccination program to insure immunity
• SEW Multi-site production with AIAO
• Controlled access units with locks and/or security fencing
• Strict bio-security with shower-in and room-to-room barriers
• SPF monitored herds
• Monthly veterinary inspections
• Monthly slaughter exams and serology
• Professional rodent control
• Delivery in disinfected trailers
• Isolation-acclimation protocol for customers
• Vet-to-vet conferences 

[RETURN]

Immunity

WALDO Farms is committed to producing healthy pigs (See pig health management). Healthy pigs have immunity or disease resistance. This immunity is developed through natural exposure to disease (acquired immunity) or through vaccination. Exposure to disease organisms helps insure that pigs have well-developed immune systems that can handle the environmental and managerial challenges of real-world pork production. 

Unfortunately, immunity is less effective when pigs must cope with a stressful environment or poor management: overcrowding, inadequate nutrition, poor ventilation, overuse of antibiotics, poor sanitation, extreme temperatures and other causes of stress. Good managers use the art and science of pig husbandry to provide a positive environment with minimal stress to assure healthy pigs and profitable pork production.

Article on Immune System Activation  (article reprinted with permission by Pfizer Animal Health)

[RETURN]

Pig Isolation-Acclimation

WALDO Farms is committed to providing superior-quality breeding stock. Although our pigs originate from healthy herds, “disease-free” pigs CANNOT be guaranteed. Therefore, a sound pig isolation-acclimation protocol is a critical part of any pig health management program and MUST be followed to protect herds receiving new boars and/or gilts from WALDO farms. 

WALDO recommends specific actions. First, we advise a vet-to-vet conference between your veterinarian and the WALDO veterinarian to establish a protocol and to verify the status of your herd and its compatibility with the incoming stock. WALDO recommends a minimum of 30 days for isolation plus an additional 30 days for acclimation to insure that the incoming pigs perform as expected. 

Facilities:              

      - At least 300 ft and preferably 0.5 miles from other pigs
      - All-In All-Out (AIAO) pig flow
      - Clean, comfortable pens that provide 15-20 sq ft per pig
      - Control rodents and predators
      - Use separate, clean coveralls and boots

Isolation.  During the first 30 days, new boars and/or gilts should be observed and tested for certain diseases (ie. PRV) which might challenge the health of your herd. The isolation unit should be cared for at the end of the day so that the person in charge can stay out of your established herd overnight. Personnel should shower and change clothing before returning to your established herd. A strict bio-security plan, designed with the help of your veterinarian should be followed.

Pigs in isolation should be observed daily. Monitor feed and water intake closely. Antibiotics and electrolytes can be used as needed. Vaccination of incoming pigs can begin 7-10 days after arrival. WALDO recommends that you vaccinate the incoming stock with the same vaccines currently being used in your herd. The law may require some blood testing after a certain waiting period. Consult your veterinarian for appropriate vaccination and testing procedures.

Acclimation.  The acclimation period begins about 30 days after the new stock has arrived at the isolation facility and should last a minimum of 30 days. It is intended to expose the incoming pigs to any organisms in your herd to which their immune systems might be naive. New stock should have direct contact with fresh manure from the existing breeding herd. Also, cull sows should be penned next to the incoming breeding stock so that the new boars and/or gilts will have maximum contact. Cull sows provide a source of bacteria and viruses from your existing herd, serve as sentinel animals and provide stimulus for inducing heat in new gilts. Additional vaccinations and testing may be required during acclimation. Consult your veterinarian. 

Your long-term success is made possible by the regular purchase of genetically improved stock. Carefully follow ALL isolation and acclimation procedures to protect your investment.

[RETURN]

Vet-to-Vet Conferences

 WALDO Farms works closely with producers to verify that incoming breeding stock will be compatible with their herds. Upon customer request, a conference can be arranged between your veterinarian and the WALDO Farms veterinarian to verify the status of each herd and to establish a protocol for isolation-acclimation of new breeding stock. Direct consultation between veterinary professionals is the best way to insure good communication. This can be critically important to the success of your operation. Call WALDO at (800) 869-0425 and ask about our vet-to-vet program.

[RETURN]

Waldo Farms Inc.      Phone 800-869-0425       Fax 402-683-6605

 06/01/06