ICVA - International Council for Veterinary Assessment Swine Production Medicine Questions and Answers

Question 1

A large farrow-to-finish operation experiences a sudden increase in late-term abortions, stillbirths, and pre-weaning mortality. Sows are anorexic and lethargic. Concurrently, nursery pigs are showing severe respiratory distress, characterized by dyspnea and cyanosis of the ears. What is the most likely causative agent?

Accepted Answer

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV)

Answer

The combination of severe reproductive failure (late-term abortions, stillbirths) and severe respiratory disease across different age groups is the classic presentation for an acute outbreak of Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus (PRRSV). While other agents cause either respiratory or reproductive signs, PRRSV is unique in causing both with such high severity simultaneously.

Question 2

In a modern swine biosecurity program, what is the primary purpose of the acclimatization period for incoming gilts?

Accepted Answer

To expose them to and develop immunity against the endemic pathogens of the recipient farm in a controlled manner.

Answer

Acclimatization is a critical biosecurity step designed to safely expose new animals (gilts) to the specific viruses and bacteria present on the destination farm. This controlled exposure, often through vaccination and contact with cull animals, allows them to build immunity before entering the main breeding herd, preventing disease outbreaks in both the new and resident animals.

Question 3

A veterinarian performs a necropsy on several finisher pigs that died suddenly. The carcasses are pale, and their stomachs are filled with large amounts of clotted blood. The pars esophagea of each stomach shows severe erosion and ulceration. Which of the following is the most significant contributing factor to this condition?

Accepted Answer

Finely ground feed with a small particle size

Answer

Gastric ulcers in swine, specifically at the pars esophagea, are strongly associated with finely ground feed (e.g., <700 microns). Small particle size increases stomach fluidity and acidity, which damages the unprotected non-glandular pars esophagea. The clinical signs of acute hemorrhage, pale carcasses, and sudden death in well-conditioned pigs are classic for this condition.

Question 4

Which of the following represents the MOST significant risk for introducing African Swine Fever (ASF) virus into a naive herd?

Accepted Answer

Feeding the pigs uncooked or undercooked food scraps (garbage/swill) containing pork.

Answer

The African Swine Fever virus is highly resistant and can survive for long periods in pork products. Feeding uncooked or undercooked pork-containing food scraps (garbage/swill) to pigs is a major and well-documented route of transmission that has been responsible for numerous international outbreaks. While other fomites are a risk, this practice is considered one of the highest risk factors for introducing the virus.

Question 5

What is the primary reason for administering an iron injection to piglets within the first 3-4 days of life in a commercial indoor production system?

Accepted Answer

To compensate for the low iron content of sow's milk and prevent anemia.

Answer

Sow's milk is very low in iron, and piglets are born with minimal iron reserves. Due to their extremely rapid growth, they quickly deplete these stores. Without supplementation, they develop severe iron-deficiency anemia, leading to poor growth, paleness, and increased susceptibility to disease. This is a standard and necessary practice in modern indoor confinement systems where piglets cannot get iron from the soil.

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

(ICVA) International Council for Veterinary Assessment Practice Test

ICVA - International Council for Veterinary Assessment Swine Production Medicine Questions and Answers