Intervet Launches Swine Parasite Evaluation Program

Free parasite analysis offers insight to help reclaim gains, profitability

Internal parasites can seriously decrease swine performance, while robbing producers of hard-earned profits. Even a light internal parasite infestation can cost producers nearly $2 per head in increased feed and maintenance costs. Knowing if your herd is infected is the first step to avoiding this, which is why Intervet is proud to sponsor the Parasite Evaluation program – a free fecal analysis program designed to give pork producers unbiased information they can use to make meaningful, informed decisions about the control of internal swine parasites.

“When it comes to parasite prevention, no two operations are alike,” says Dave Bromert, Marketing Manager, Swine Pharmaceuticals and Market Development. “That’s why it is critical for producers to have sound information about worm burdens in their own herds and for them to implement effective parasite management practices. Intervet’s free Parasite Evaluation program gives producers non-biased information to help them make informed decisions about parasite management and prevent losses due to parasite burden.”

Pigs reared in dry-lot or pasture settings tend to be at greater risk for internal parasites. Even with today’s modern practices, no pigs are immune to internal parasites.

“Deworming- treatment options should be sure to take into account all stages of development for roundworms, whipworms and other internal parasites,” says Charles Francisco, D.V.M., Intervet Senior Technical Services Specialist. “By stopping migration between the liver, lung and kidneys, you can cut the link between worms and disease, which protects your herd and your bottom line. Through Intervet’s Parasite Evaluation program, producers can customize a deworming protocol specific to their operational needs in order to achieve optimal parasite control.”

How the program works

To participate in the Parasite Evaluation program, producers simply need to call 1-800-441-8272 to request a collection kit. After producers collect samples from their pigs, the samples are shipped to one of four independent laboratories for analysis performed by industry experts, including two veterinary parasitologists and two Ph.D.s in parasitology. These experts measure the level of parasite infection using effective, proven scientific methods and then provide test results and consultation free of charge. After receiving their results, producers then can compare their herds to aggregate data from their county, state or region.

“Intervet decided to sponsor the Parasite Evaluation program because we believe that the information the program provides can be an asset to producers and the industry as a whole,” says Bromert. “As the sole sponsor, Intervet covers the cost of the sample-collection kits as well as the lab costs associated with the analysis. We are not involved in evaluating the collected data, so producers can be confident the information they receive is fair and unbiased.”

Intervet launched a similar Parasite Evaluation program for cattle in 2003.

“The Parasite Evaluation program has helped cattle producers across the country evaluate their deworming practice and make changes to improve herd health,” says Bromert. “The success of the program is proven in reduced animal worm burden and greater herd performance, and we’re excited to extend this important program to swine producers.”

For more information on the Parasite Evaluation program, to request a sample collection kit, or to get in contact with an Intervet sales representative, call 1-800-441-8272.