Main endemic health threats in the swine production chain in Brazil

Brazil stands out as the fourth largest producer and exporter of pork. The occurrence of certain diseases in animal production is one of the most important factors for swine production. Swine pathogens can be divided into three groups: agents of foodbome illnesses of animal origin; agents of strategically important diseases for the health protection system; and agents of diseases responsible for losses in animal production. Some diseases, such as classical swine fever and foot-and-mouth disease, impact heavily the export market; endemic or enzootic diseases deteriorate production rates and increase production costs, reducing competitiveness; and foodbome illnesses, despite not affecting production indexes, can cause damages to human health and harm commercial relations. Brazil, being an exponent in the production and export of pork and derivatives, must be aware of some aspects related to laboratory infrastructure, biosecurity measures, and care necessary to prevent certain, still exotic, diseases from infecting the Brazilian herd. This review addresses the main endemic or enzootic diseases that cause losses in pork production in Brazil.