Swine in Minnesota

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, influenza A and post-weaning diarrhea are commonly top of mind when producers and veterinarians think about swine diseases. However, enteric diseases continue to be a significant and costly challenge. When investigating causes of diarrhea, veterinary diagnostic laboratories will test samples based on the most common pathogens for each animal’s age category. This list is extensive, including Rotavirus A, B and C, porcine epidemic diarrhea, porcine deltacoronavirus, Cystoisospora suis, beta-hemolytic E. coli, sapovirus, Clostridium perfringens, Lawsonia intracellularis and Brachyspira.

While these panels are helpful, they do not always solve the puzzle. Pathologists frequently face laboratory results showing the detection of several pathogens in the same case, commonly referred to as “co-infections.” When this happens, the microscopic evaluation of intestinal lesions (histopathology) is the most accessible tool to help determine which pathogens are the real culprits behind the clinical signs. This step is important because pigs can harbor some of these microorganisms in their guts without necessarily being affected by them.

Continue reading “Is sapovirus the missing piece in the post-weaning diarrhea puzzle?”