Veterinary Services

Alimentary tract disorders

Acute colibacillosis was confirmed in recently weaned pigs with a yellow scour born outside but weaned into straw courts. There was a concurrent outbreak of exudative epidermitis (greasy pig disease).

Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, the cause of swine dysentery, was detected by PCR and culture of faecal samples from growing and finishing pigs on several units. Brachyspira hyodysenteriae was also detected in the slurry pits of empty finishing houses in a unit undertaking a partial depopulation and medication programme to eradicate swine dysentery. The findings indicated inadequate cleaning of the slurry pits. Disease breakdown would have been likely had further cleaning and disinfection of the pits not been carried out.

Respiratory tract disease

Outbreaks of pneumonia due to infection with Pasteurella multocida resulted in ill thrift and deaths in more than 20 weaners on one unit. Though not confirmed, concurrent porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus infection was suspected. Pasteurella multocida was identified in finishing pigs that had died of acute exudative bronchopneumonia. On a separate unit, four deaths in finishing pigs due to exudative bronchopneumonia were associated with concurrent infections of Actinobacillus suis and P multocida.

Nervous system disorders

Meningitis due to infection with Streptococcus suis serotype 2 was confirmed in a six-week-old pig that died following a short clinical history of lethargy. Eleven deaths were reported in a shed of 450 pigs.