In the July-August issue of Small Farm Canada we are exploring the services and value that veterinarians and vet technicians provide right across the country. As well as emergency and medical care veterinarians can advise on nutrition (at each stage of growth), water access/requirements, good health management practices, answer questions on disease (including disease alerts), provide biosecurity strategies, breeding programs and options, industry available information and resources.
As a trusted source of information, veterinarians are also helping to reinforce the importance of biosecurity. In livestock and poultry sectors that are under intense international disease pressures like poultry (Avian Influenza) and pigs (African Swine Fever), this is a key strategy, especially if the industry is export dependent such as the Canadian hog industry.
βThe health of pigs in small scale operations is related to the health of the entire Canadian pig herd, which is one reason why improving access to veterinarians and practical resource material is a priority for the industry,β says Susan Fitzgerald, manager of the Ontario Pig Health Check-up program.
The Ontario Pig Health Check-up program will provide funding to support veterinary consultations for small scale pig herd owners. The exchange of animal health knowledge and practical resource materials will support the raising of healthy, well-grown pigs. In addition, good animal health practices are key tools to prevent the introduction, development and spread of transmissible animal diseases. This program will provide funding for up to 100 check-ups for small-lot pig owners with allowance to cover some additional treatment and is running until the end of October.
Who Qualifies?
- Ontario licensed, practicing veterinarians.
- Pig owners who produce less than 1,000 market hogs a year or own less than 50 sows or own pet pigs.
- Pig herd owners must have or register for a Premises Identification Number (PID) www.ontariopid.com