DR. DERALD L. MADSON, M.D.

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This study examined the genetic evolution of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which is a major threat to swine health in the U.S. By analyzing over 115,000 virus sequences, researchers identified important patterns, including the dominance of certain virus strains like sublineage 5A, and discovered 167 new sequences from 2010 to 2024. Understanding these trends is crucial for better managing PRRSV outbreaks, which can lead to significant economic losses and impact food production. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, veterinarians, and the swine industry.

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This study looked at the patterns of Influenza A virus infections in pigs in the U.S. over the past 20 years. Out of nearly 373,000 samples tested, 31% were positive for the virus, with higher rates found in younger pigs (34.4%) compared to adult pigs (26.9%). Understanding these trends is essential for better monitoring and controlling of flu outbreaks in pigs, which can impact both animal health and public safety. Who this helps: This benefits farmers, veterinarians, and public health officials.

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This study looked at a virus called porcine astrovirus type 3 (PoAstV3) to understand its role in brain diseases affecting pigs. Researchers analyzed tissue samples from 50 pigs with neurological issues and found that 13 of those cases, or 26%, had PoAstV3 present in their central nervous system. This is significant because it shows that PoAstV3 is a common cause of brain inflammation in pigs and may not be found in other parts of the body during illness, which is different from other viruses. Who this helps: Pig farmers and veterinarians.

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Researchers studied two strains of the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) from pigs in Iowa that were coughing and had lung disease. They found that one strain, called IA70388-R, is a mix of a vaccine strain and a natural virus strain found in the pigs. This discovery is important because it shows how vaccines can blend with wild viruses, which could affect how well vaccines work in protecting pigs against diseases. Who this helps: This helps pig farmers and veterinarians by providing insights into virus behavior and vaccine effectiveness.

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This study looked at the fluid from the joints of healthy pigs to establish normal ranges for various health measurements. Researchers found that for carpal joints, normal limits include a total cell count of 3,281 cells/µL, while for tarsal joints, it is 2,368 cells/µL, among other measures. These findings are important because they provide benchmarks that veterinarians can use to diagnose joint issues like lameness and arthritis in pigs. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pig farmers.

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This study looked at how two types of Teschovirus (PTV-2 and PTV-11) cause brain and spinal cord diseases in young pigs. Researchers found that three out of seven pigs infected with PTV-2 showed mild coordination issues, while all seven pigs infected with PTV-11 exhibited severe neurological symptoms. This research is important because it highlights new strains of the virus that can affect pigs and suggests that these infections may be spreading more widely within pig populations. Who this helps: This helps veterinarians and pig farmers understand and manage Teschovirus infections better.

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This study explored how circulating antibodies help protect newborn piglets from the porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV). Researchers tested 62 piglets, giving them different levels of these antibodies before exposing them to the virus. They found that piglets with antibodies had faster recovery and better survival rates, highlighting the importance of antibody transfer from mothers. Who this helps: This information is valuable for pig farmers and veterinarians caring for newborn piglets.

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Researchers studied how an immunotherapy using a special protein called porcine G-CSF can help reduce Salmonella infection in pigs. They found that pigs treated with G-CSF shed significantly less Salmonella in their feces—about 1,000 bacteria per gram compared to over 10,000 in untreated pigs—and had a 10,000-fold reduction in Salmonella in their tonsils. This approach not only lowered the amount of Salmonella but also helped maintain the normal gut bacteria in the pigs. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and food safety regulators by reducing Salmonella carriers in livestock.

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This study looked at how the porcine deltacoronavirus (PDCoV) affects baby pigs, specifically 5-day-old piglets. Researchers found that after being infected with the virus, the piglets experienced mild to moderate diarrhea and showed increasing levels of the virus in their waste over a week. The significance of these findings is that they confirm PDCoV can cause disease in young pigs and help improve detection methods. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians by providing better tools for diagnosing and managing PDCoV infections in piglets.

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This study looked at various types of tumors found in Egyptian fruit bats living in a zoo from 2004 to 2014. Researchers identified five tumor types: fibrosarcoma, cutaneous lymphoma, benign bronchioloalveolar neoplasm, anaplastic sarcoma, and sebaceous epithelioma, marking the first time many of these tumors have been reported in this species. These findings show that tumors are a significant health issue for these bats, indicating a need for improved care and monitoring. Who this helps: This information benefits zoo veterinarians and wildlife conservationists working with these bats.

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This study looked at a virus called Senecavirus A, which has been causing swelling and sores in pigs since 2015, often leading to piglets dying shortly after birth. Researchers sequenced the entire genetic code of three recent virus samples found in pigs to learn more about it. Understanding this virus is important because it affects the health of pigs and can impact farming and food supplies. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians working with livestock.

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This study looked at a virus that causes severe diarrhea in pigs, known as porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which first showed up in the U.S. in 2013 and has caused large financial losses for farmers. Researchers isolated two strains of the virus from piglets in Indiana and Iowa and found they could replicate the virus in the lab, producing a range of infectious doses. The findings reveal that the strains are genetically similar to each other and to strains from China, which is important for developing vaccines and understanding the disease better. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians working to control and prevent PEDV outbreaks in pigs.

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Researchers studied how two methods of reducing harmful substances (mycotoxins) in pig feed affected the growth of 1,040 pigs over 115 days. They found that pigs fed a feed supplemented with a blend of preservatives (called PB) grew better compared to those without this supplement; specifically, PB resulted in a 5% increase in average daily gain (ADG) and better overall feed efficiency. This is important because it shows that using preservatives can help pigs thrive even when they eat food contaminated with toxins. Who this helps: This benefits farmers and livestock producers by improving pig health and growth rates.

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Researchers studied an outbreak of a virus causing severe diarrhea and vomiting in pig farms across the U.S., which led to a shocking 90-95% death rate in suckling pigs. They found that this new virus, called Porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), was genetically very similar (almost identical) to strains from China, indicating that it likely originated from there. This information is crucial because it helps farmers understand the threat posed by this virus and can guide measures to prevent and control its spread. Who this helps: This helps farmers and veterinarians protect pig populations and ensure the health of livestock.

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This study looked at different types of bacteria called Brachyspira that can cause swine dysentery in pigs. Researchers found that certain strongly beta-hemolytic strains caused more inflammation in the intestines of mice than weaker strains, even if the bacteria were not identified as the well-known harmful strain, B. hyodysenteriae. Specifically, two atypical strains led to damage similar to that caused by B. hyodysenteriae, highlighting the need to pay attention to these other strains in cases of swine dysentery. Who this helps: This helps pig farmers and veterinarians in managing and diagnosing swine dysentery more effectively.

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This study looked at how to create better vaccines to protect pigs from influenza virus, which can cause significant health issues and financial losses in pig farming. Researchers focused on the challenges of developing a vaccine that not only protects against a variety of flu strains but also works well in younger pigs, avoiding interference from maternal antibodies. Improving these vaccines is crucial for both animal health and the economic stability of the livestock industry. Who this helps: Farmers and veterinarians working with pig populations.