Tools to mitigate disease associated with streptococcus zooepidemicus: an emerging threat to the Canadian pork industry

Why is this research important for Alberta ag?

Since spring 2019, multiple cases of sow mortality and abortions have been reported in Canada and the USA. These cases were definitively associated with streptococcus equi subspecies zooepidemicus (S. zoo), which is now considered an emerging threat to the North American pork industry. Current tools to control the disease in affected farms are limited to depopulation, which is estimated to cost over $15M CAD in larger production systems. Moving forward, to prevent further losses across Western Canada, the development of effective preventive and control methods is critical.

This research aims to investigate the development of tools for the prevention and control of S. zoo, to reduce disease severity in pigs and potentially prevent infection. Research tools will be used to characterize how and where S. zoo infects pigs and findings will be used to develop a vaccine or non-antibiotic compounds that will protect pigs from infection and reduce deaths.

What benefits can producers expect from this research?

While the economic impact of S. zoo has not been completely evaluated by the swine industry, it's shown to be capable of widespread dissemination. Results from this research will directly benefit the pork industry through improved management practices to help reduce pathogen spreading, and the potential delivery of more economically-friendly control tools.

How will these research findings reach producers on-farm?

Results will be shared through industry conferences and newsletters, such as the Banff Pork Congress and Western Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians' conference. This will be supplemented by written newsletters, electronic media and articles in journals such as the Canadian Hog Journal.