Author
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Nystrom, Evelyn |
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Bartels Morozov, Denise |
Submitted to: American Association of Swine Veterinarians Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Proceedings Publication Acceptance Date: 2/27/2001 Publication Date: N/A Citation: N/A Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Until recently, edema disease in weaned pigs was not considered an economically important problem in the U.S. We have recently received increasing numbers of reports that E. coli edema disease (ED) and postweaning E. coli diarrhea (PWD) are causing high mortality and morbidity in weaned pigs. In the typical scenario, severe diarrhea occurs first (4 to 5 days after weaning) and is followed by classical edema disease that often affects the healthiest pigs. With reports of death losses as high as 50%, the economic impact of ED and PWD can be substantial, especially in large production facilities. No effective methods for the prevention of ED or PWD have been identified, but experimental evidence of effective vaccines is encouraging. The objective of this review of bacterial, host and environmental factors that promote colibacillosis in weaned pigs and of some promising experimental immunizations is to initiate a dialogue between producers, swine practitioners, biologics companies, and researchers. It is hoped that such a dialogue will identify and expedite the critical research needed to identify effective ways to reduce the incidence, severity, and economic impact of colibacillosis in weaned pigs. Research on postweaning colibacillosis has been hampered by difficulties in identifying E. coli strains that cause edema disease. Accurate differentiation is important for diagnosis, epidemiologic studies, and for vaccine development. Controlled vaccine studies in naturally-infected herds are critical for determining if vaccines can help control ED and PWD. |