title: Occurrence of Brachyspira hyodysenteriae in multiplier pig herds in Switzerland.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  This research was aimed to determine the occurrence of Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae in Swiss multiplier pig herds.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a pilot study a direct real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method for B. hyodysenteriae was compared to culture followed by PCR on 106 samples from three herds. Subsequently 40 multiplier herds were epidemiologically characterized and analysed for the presence of B. hyodysenteriae using direct PCR on 1412 rectal swabs. For external validation 20 swabs obtained from two positive conventional herds were analysed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The comparison of direct PCR with culture followed by PCR resulted in a moderate agreement (kappa index: 0.58). In the two conventional herds, 35% of the samples (7/20) tested positive. Samples from 39 multipliers tested negative. In one multiplier herd, 25% (9/36) of the samples tested PCR positive. Risk factors in the multiplier herd may have been rodents or birds, but not pig purchase.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  B. hyodysenteriae have been detected in a Swiss multiplier herd, which underlines the threat of potential spread by replacement pigs. Consequently, a Brachyspira monitoring programme was established for Swiss multiplier herds.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Löbert
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Zimmermann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bürki
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Frey
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nathues
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Scheer
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Doherr
authors.forename: U
authors.initials: U
authors.lastname: Stalder
authors.affiliation: Dr. Friederike Zeeh, Clinic for Swine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern, Bremgartenstrasse 109a, 3001 Bern, Switzerland, Email: friederike.zeeh@vetsuisse.unibe.ch.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Zeeh
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017401:Brachyspira hyodysenteriae / Q000235:genetics / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D004269:DNA, Bacterial / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D016905:Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000662:veterinary*; D060888:Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012007:Rectum / Q000382:microbiology; D013552:Swine; D013553:Swine Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000382:microbiology*; D013557:Switzerland / Q000453:epidemiology
chemical_list: D004269:DNA, Bacterial
keywords: Prevalence; real-time polymerase chain reaction; risk factors; swine dysentery