Online Monitoring Pig Health in the Netherlands: a unique system

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 different sectors of food production animals. Until recently the system to monitor swine health was based entirely on passive data collection. Results from post mortem investigations of pigs submitted to the animal health service were combined with information gathered during telephonic consults and farm visits. This system proved to be very suitable to detect outbreaks of new, unpredicted, or re-emerging diseases. In addition to the passive data collecting system there was need for a more proactive system to obtain more representative data of 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. This monitoring is formally integrated in quality assurance systems for pig farmers and pig veterinarians.

Typically, commercial pig farms in the Netherlands are visited by a veterinary practitioner once a month. The practitioners are recording health problems using the online tool during each farm visit. Moreover, also the absence of health issues is documented. The design of the online application involves no more than five steps, namely registration of (1) age group, (2) organ system involved, (3)main clinical symptom, (4) most probable diagnosis, (5) used laboratory test to confirm the diagnosis. The application is linked to the management information system of the veterinary practice. Data are uploaded to the GD Animal Health data system. Every month practitioners receive an overview of the results of their own practice and a benchmark, which represents the results of all other participating practices in the Netherlands. Besides, maps are produced in which trends of certain health issues in specific regions are visualized.

The online monitor of pig health in the Netherlands was formally launched in July 2015. In October the monthly feedback of results to the practitioners started.

The online monitoring of pig health in the Netherlands is a unique system. Since it is compulsory incorporated in quality assurance systems, the participation rate is expected to be high. This system provides information to pig farmers and veterinarians on regional health issues. Finally, on sector level the information can also be used to explain for instance variation in the level or the use of certain antibiotics.

Disclosure of Interest: None Declared.