Dr. Tom Petznick, a renowned swine veterinarian, shared his expertise on swine health during the 2023 Nebraska Pork Expo. With a DVM from Kansas State University in 1995, Petznick boasts a rich educational background. Though he specializes in swine, his expertise extends to goats, sheep, and cattle. His initial career took off in Plymouth, Nebraska, focusing on dairy.
His passion for populations soon led him to the swine industry. After working at Pillen Family Farms, he became an independent veterinarian in 2010, overseeing around 60,000 sows in southeast Nebraska. His outstanding contributions earned him the 2023 Science in Practice award.
Addressing the top health challenges in the swine industry:
Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED): Petznick notes the decline in PED cases he has seen over the year. He highlights a potential shift from the disease being seasonal to year-round. Management practices and vaccines can combat its prevalence.
Sapovirus: This virus, though identified in the states during the 1980s, is gaining prominence. It can be challenging to diagnose but sending samples for a sapovirus PCR test is recommended. Once identified, there are vaccinations available.
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS): Managing an outbreak depends on factors like herd size and flow. Petznick suggests eradicating rather than managing the disease. Live virus inoculation is his preferred method, but farm closure and exposure to the virus or vaccine are vital.
Petznick's insights serve as a beacon for swine health management in modern agriculture.
Photo Credit: istock-songqiuju
Categories: Nebraska, Livestock, Hogs