Veterinarija ir Zootechnika

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) is highly prevalent in multi-cat environments and may mutate to cause feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). This single-site retrospective case study analysed breeding and diagnostic data from a private cattery in Estonia (10 FCoV-free queens, 4 FCoV-shedding toms, and 29 kittens) to evaluate whether virus-free queens can be bred with shedding toms without subsequent infection in queens or offspring. Natural matings were conducted under strictly controlled conditions, limited to 90-minute sessions twice daily for three consecutive days, in a room without shared litter boxes, food, water, or enrichment. FCoV infection status was monitored using repeated faecal RT-PCR and serological testing before and after mating. All queens remained negative for FCoV on faecal RT-PCR and serology six months after breeding, and all kittens tested negative by faecal RT-PCR up to three months of age. No clinical or reproductive complications were observed. Within the limitations of a retrospective case study, these findings indicate that time-limited mating under strict environmental control was associated with no detectable FCoV transmission in this setting. This approach may be relevant for breeders and veterinarians managing FCoV-free breeding stock where virus-negative toms are not available.

Since 2014, it has been forbidden to keep pigs outside in Estonia, because of African swine fever. This study compared the welfare and health of pigs raised in indoor conventional and organic systems in Estonia. Selected parameters for comparison were included: stocking densities, behaviour, a human-animal approach test, lameness, dirtiness, tail biting, skin wounds and faecal samples for parasitic egg counts. Organic farms had poorer human-animal interactions compared with conventional farms, but were better in regards to the social and exploratory behaviour among pigs. They were also slightly better regarding lameness and dirtiness compared with conventional farms. Organic farms had less tail biting and skin wounds than conventional farms. Of 16 faecal samples from organic farms, 12 had parasite eggs, while none of the samples from conventional farms were positive. Welfare problems remain to be solved on organic pig farms irrespective of whether they are kept indoors or outdoors, but there are benefits to pig welfare under organic regulations even if they have no access to an outdoor area.