In Greece, organic pig farming started in 2002 and since then made
significant steps forward due to the extended interesting of Greek consumer
for organic products during last decade. This report aims at updating
information about organic pig farming in Greece, relating production system
and most health risk factors. Furthermore, in present study a animal health
management program is proposed. The most common health problems that occur in
the Greek organic pig farming are respiratory problems, gastrointestinal
problems, claw and skin problems, parasitic infections and piglet mortality.
A veterinary health management program in organic pi farms, including use of
alternatives to antibiotics (prebiotics, probiotics and phytogenics),
antiparasitics, appropriate vaccinations (e.g. against E. coli, M. hyo,
PRRSV) and the appropriate disinfection program (e.g. rodent management with
rodenticides) could be an useful tool for prevention and control diseases as
well as for improvement of growth performance. In conclusion, the
productivity growth in Greek organic pig farms can be increased by improving
the living conditions of animals and the implementation of preventive
measures (e.g. vaccination programs, treatments with phototherapeutics) that
reduce mortality rates (especially during the winter months). For this reason
the application of a herd health management program is necessary in organic
pig farms.
Evaluation of effects of metritis management in a complex dairy herd health management program
