Teaming up for animal health
Online Monitoring Pig Health in the Netherlands: a unique system Theo Geudeke, Tom Duinhof, Manon Houben, Suzan Megens, Maaike Gonggrijp GD Animal Health, Deventer, The Netherlands
Introduction Since 2001 GD Animal Health in the Netherlands runs a health monitoring system of all livestock. This system was set up on request of the Dutch government and the livestock industry (poultry, pigs, ruminants). Until recently the system to monitor swine health was based entirely on passive data collection by GD Animal Health via: post mortem investigations, information telephonic consults and farm visits by GD experts. This system proved to be very suitable to detect outbreaks of new, unpredicted, or re-emerging diseases. In addition, there was need for a more proactive system to obtain more representative data on trends in time and per region regarding herd-related health issues. After pilot studies in 2004 and 2012, an online monitoring tool was launched in 2015.
Materials and methods Veterinary practitioners register health problems using an online tool during each farm visit. Health data collected are: are there problem yes/no, and if yes: • Which age group? • What organ system involved? • What main clinical symptom? • What is the most probable diagnosis?
Results The online monitoring tool was formally launched in 2015. The tool is integrated in several quality assurance systems and the data are uploaded to the GD Animal Health data system. Output: • Monthly overviews of the results for participants • Maps to visualize health issues in specific regions
Conclusion The online monitoring of pig health in the Netherlands is a unique system. Generated information is useful for pig farmers, veterinarians and the pig industry because: • It visualizes trends, variation in regional health issues • It can be helpful e.g. to explain changes in use of antibiotics
Online monitoring tool Photo: GD Animal Health, The Netherlands
GD, P.O. Box 9, 7400 AA Deventer, the Netherlands, T. +31 (0)570-63 33 91, F. +31 (0)570-63 41 04 www.gdanimalhealth.com, info@gdanimalhealth.com
GDOV0798/05-16
contact: t.geudeke@gdanimalhealth.com