E. Coli infection in Swine

Escherichia coli infections in swine (also called E. coli or clinically "colibacillosis"), is a bacterial disease affecting both indoor and outdoor herds, occurring both chronically and sporadically. There are a range of causes of scours (diarrhea) in piglets, of which E. coli infection is one of the most common, particularly in gilt litters. Although most strains of E. coli are harmless however some are extremely harmful to the piglet.

E. coli infections occur at three main stages: neonatal diarrhea, young piglet diarrhea and post-weaning scours. They can also be present in combination with other pathogens including rotavirus, and cause other diseases such as edema disease and urinary tract infections.

Signs & Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of E. Coli infection are:

Diarrhea (Scours)
Dirty Appearance
Poor Physical Condition
Dehydration
Depression

How E.Coli is Transmitted

Exposing pigs to other pigs or boots, clothing, or equipment that have been around other pigs greatly increases the risk for disease transmission.

Exposure to infected pigs and fecal material is the main mode of transmission to naïve pigs.

Prevention of Eschericia Coli Infections

Vaccination programs need to be modified to each swine operation and should be developed in consultation with your veterinarian. The following vaccines have been found to be extremely effective at combating E.Coli spread:

Entero-Vac

Aids in the prevention of disease associated with the K-88 strain of E. Coli.

Demonstrates efficacy against virulent K-88 E. Coli by decreasing mortality and morbidity associated with enteritis.

Freeze-dried and should be stored at normal refrigeration temperature.

Edema Vac

Edema Vac E.Coli vaccine is the only federally licensed F-18 E. Coli product on the market.

Demonstrates efficacy against virulent F-18 E. Coli by decreasing mortality associated with edema disease.

Freeze-dried and should be stored at normal refrigeration temperature.

Prosystem RCE

Contains four major E. coli pilus antigens (K88, K99, F41 and 987P)

First USDA-licensed vaccine with two serotypes of serogroup A rotavirus; G5 (A1) and G4 (A2); for best protection.

For use in healthy pregnant swine as an aid in the prevention of rotaviral diarrhea, enterotoxemia and colibacillosis in their nursing piglets.

Prosystem CE

Contains four major E. coli pilus antigens (K88, K99, F41 and 987P).

For use in healthy pregnant swine as an aid in the prevention of enterotoxemia and colibacillosis in their nursing piglets.

Safe and effective.

Treatment of Eschericia Coli Infections

Before any course of treatment commences, it is very important to secure an accurate diagnosis of the cause of diarrhea, in order to ensure the correct pharmaceutical product is used. It is particularly important to rule out viral or coccidial causes of diarrhea, especially before embarking on a costly and unnecessary course of antimicrobials. If a bacterial cause is identified, individual cases may be treated with an appropriate oral antibiotic-determined by sensitivity testing. In an outbreak, strategic medication of all pigs at birth maybe necessary.

Equally important, as part of the treatment program, is the provision of electrolytes to reduce the severe dehydration that actually kills many piglets.

The following listed are part of an effective E.coli treatment program in pigs...

Chloronex Chlortetracycline HCL

Broad spectrum antibiotic soluble powder intended for use in drinking water to treat a wide variety of conditions in swine.

Controls and treats bacterial enteritis (scours) caused by E. coli and Salmonella spp.

FDA approved.

High solubility for easy dispersal.

Oxytet Soluble Antibiotic Powder

Broad-spectrum antibiotic.

Citric acid provides maximum absorption.

Recommended to control and treat bacterial enteritis and bacterial pneumonia along with combating leptospirosis in breeding swine.

Neomycin Soluble Antibiotic Powder

Medication of choice for the treatment and control of colibacillosis caused by E. coli susceptible to neomycin sulfate.

Saving time, money and labor by use in drinking water.

24-48 hour treatment.

Neomycin Liquid

Four-way protection in one convenient dose.

Administer a 5-mL dose to sows and gilts five and two weeks prior to farrowing.

Aid in the prevention of atrophic rhinitis caused by B. bronchiseptica or the toxin of P. multocida, erysipelas caused by E. rhusiopathiae, and pneumonia caused by P. multocida.

Bio-Mycin 200

Aids in control of infectious enteritis in suckling pigs caused by E. coli.

Contains 200 mg/mL of oxytetracycline in a unique, patented carrier to treat disease in swine.

Noromycin 300 LA

Proven efficacy across a wide range of diseases.

A convenient lower dose volume for easier administration.

Effectively combats E. coli, Pasteurella Multocida and Leptospira Pomona.

Uncompromising quality control from Norbrook Laboratories.

Gentamicin for Piglets

Recommended for the treatment of porcine colibacillosis caused by strains of E. coli sensitive to gentamicin.

For use in piglets up to 3 days of age only.

Treats Colibacillosis caused by E. coli with a convenient 1 mL dose.

SpectoGard Scour-Check

Treatment and control of scours caused by E. coli for baby pigs under 4 weeks of age.

Fast-acting, effective and convenient oral solution.

Provides a convenient method for accurate dosage of spectinomycin for baby pigs.

Oxytetracycline 200 Injectable

Aid in the control of infectious enteritis (baby pig scours) in suckling pigs caused by E. coli.