More producers are now purchasing replacement gilts and boars rather than raising their own. Because production systems have changed and the economic stakes are high, adding new animals requires a specific procedure. A good isolation and acclimation (I/A) program is an essential part of protecting herd health. All live animals carry certain bacteria and viruses. Besides time to rest and recover from the stresses of transport, isolation allows for clinical signs to develop, and diagnostic testing to be done. The isolation facility need not be fancy, but it should be bird-proof, rodent-free, and separated from the main herd. Separate personnel or specific steps should be used to care for these animals.
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