Boehringer Ingelheim introduces p-TRACK

Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced a new tool to assess and monitor biosecurity and management risks in pig farms—the p-TRACK (pathogen TRACing) Kit.

Boehringer Ingelheim has introduced a new tool to assess and monitor biosecurity and management risks in pig farms—the p-TRACK (pathogen TRACing) Kit. It provides a method of tracing risks associated with pathogen carrying agents. The tool should be implemented as part of a detailed plan that includes staff training and clear assessment of the biosecurity risks for each farm.

PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome) is a complex disease that requires a systematic and whole herd approach to control and the use of the best available tools. Biosecurity in pig farms plays a key role in PRRS control and some of the recommendations depend on the movement and flow of certain pathogen-carrying agents like people or objects.

When implementing a disease control plan, it is essential to follow a systematic approach like the 5-step process of p-Track. First, the goals and expectations for the particular farm must be set (step 1). Then the current status of the farm must be determined (step 2). Next constraints must be identified, namely biosecurity and management risks that we have in the farm or system (step 3). Considering the information of the previous steps, we can then design a proper set of solutions (step 4). In the final step 5, solutions are implemented, and results are monitored.

More about p-TRACK

On a daily basis, pig farms are facing multiple types of biosecurity risks, but some of them remain unnoticed. With p-TRACK, it is possible to trace and monitor multiple risks associated with pathogen carrying agents in the farms: tools, farm staff, or visitors, or other fomites. Using p-TRACK, veterinarians and farmers can measure in real time risky events related with movements.

For example, p-TRACK can measure relative position inside or outside buildings of critical persons and tools. This feature allows the areas of the farm with more risky events to be easily identified and monitored. In particular, one important biosecurity risk linked with new outbreaks—which is stepping outside the barn onto the dirty area of the loading dock—can be detected and corrected. 

To view a presentation of p-TRACK, click here.

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