SVA's latest research concerns, among other things, TBE infections in unpasteurized milk and tail damage in pigs. In our popular science blog, we collect current research results at SVA. Topics vary, but the emphasis is on veterinary medicine and animal care.
Tail damage in pigs can be prevented – nutrition, light and occupation have an effect
Pig tail docking is prohibited within the European Union. However, in most countries this is done because it is considered necessary to avoid damage to the tail. Image: iStock
Pigs are curious animals that often occupy themselves with various details in their surroundings. Sometimes this can be the tail of other pigs. To prevent tail biting, feed can be adapted to the growth of pigs, a study by SVA showed. The number of tail injuries decreased faster in the barn where pigs had free access to hay silage, demonstrating the importance of the business opportunity. Light exposure and light quality also play a role.
Read more here.
The European Union increases its preparedness to confront outbreaks of zoonotic diseases
The exercise included dealing with all stages of the investigation into a salmonella outbreak. Image: iStock
The national exercise carried out in eleven EU countries has led to the fact that Sweden is now, among other things, better equipped to deal with outbreaks of diseases that can be transmitted between animals and humans, which are called zoonoses. This exercise tested the ability to cooperate between authorities working in the field of animal health, public health and food safety. Topics discussed were improving communications and data management. Lessons learned from this exercise can be used to create a coordinated “One Health” disease control strategy.
Read more here.
Risk of TBE in unpasteurized milk
There is a risk of contracting TBE by consuming unpasteurized milk and dairy products. Photo: Collioure/Pixabay
Tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) is a serious disease. Tick bites are the most common way to become infected with TBE, but there is also a risk of infection through consumption of unpasteurized milk and dairy products. By examining antibodies to the TBE virus in tank milk samples from dairy herds in Sweden, researchers at SVA and Örebro University were able to identify a risk area for TBE.
Read more here.
The donation has improved knowledge of mastitis in dairy cows
Examine the appearance of the milk to see if the cow has visible mastitis. Photo: Therese Selin/SVA
Thanks to a generous donation from farming couple Elin and Borgi Niklasson, SVA has been able to implement several research projects. This has led to increased knowledge about the bacteria causing mastitis in dairy cows and how to diagnose these bacteria.
Read more here.
Surface protein is an important piece of the puzzle in mastitis
The study focused on Staphylococcus aureus bacteria in mastitis. Photo: Bengt Ekberg/SVA
Surface protein on bacteria Staphylococcus aureus It is important that it is able to cause mastitis in cows. This is shown by a research project at SVA. The study also suggests that bacteria containing a specific variant of this surface protein can affect milk production and milk fat content — even before mastitis sets in.
Read more here.
The immediate environment is the most important source of infection in streptococcal mastitis
Streptococcus uberis on a SELMA plate. Photo: Bengt Ekberg, SVA
Streptococcus uberis It is a common cause of mastitis in dairy cows. By examining the genome of these bacteria, researchers at SVA gained a greater understanding of how they spread and become resistant to antibiotics.
Read more here.
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