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

Porcine Circovirus Type 2 (PCV2)

Answer

*Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae*

Answer

Swine Influenza Virus (SIV)

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

To allow them to socially integrate with the main sow herd immediately upon arrival.

Answer

To ensure they meet the target weight for breeding through high-density feeding protocols.

Answer

To treat them with broad-spectrum antibiotics to eliminate all potential pathogens before introduction.

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

High fiber content in the diet

Answer

Coarse particle size of the feed

Answer

Intermittent, twice-daily feeding schedule

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

Airborne transmission from a neighboring farm 5 miles away.

Answer

Contact with migratory waterfowl that land in the pig pasture.

Answer

Using contaminated water from a deep well source.

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

To stimulate the development of the gastrointestinal tract.

Answer

To prevent the development of mulberry heart disease.

Answer

To enhance the passive transfer of maternal antibodies from colostrum.

Question 6

A group of 150-pound finishing pigs experiences a sudden onset of severe respiratory disease. Several pigs are found dead. Affected live pigs are febrile, anorexic, and exhibit labored, open-mouth breathing ('thumping'), with some showing a blood-tinged, frothy nasal discharge. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

Pleuropneumonia caused by *Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae* (APP)

Answer

Enzootic pneumonia caused by *Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae*

Answer

Glasser's Disease (*Glaesserella parasuis*)

Answer

Porcine Respiratory Coronavirus (PRCV)