Week of 28-Mar-2024
This non-fatal scour is seen in piglets from 10 days of age. What is the most likely primary cause?
This is a classic example of coccidiosis in pigs due to Isospora suis. It is the most common cause of scour in pigs beyond the second week of life.
If uncomplicated with secondary infection it is rarely fatal but can restrict weaning weights by up to 2.5 kg/pig at weaning. Whilst extensive sampling may find coccidial oocysts in affected herds the most reliable diagnosis is achieved by sacrifice of a newly affected pig with histopthological examination of small intestinal loops fixed in formal saline.
In uncontrolled disease both E coli and rotavirus can complicate primary coccidial infection.
Treatment of affected pigs is often unrewarding with pigs continuing to scour until they are weaned. Post weaning performance can be compromised by both the extensive gut damage and underweight pigs weaned.
The disease is a feature of poor farrowing accommodation hygiene; detergents followed by disinfection will help reduce risk but oocysts are resiliant and can survive despite cleaning.
Subclinical infection and inadequate control may be linked to post weaning failure to thrive due to maldigestion.
Photo of the week
Week of 13-Feb-2026
Which can be the causes of splenomegaly?
Week of 06-Feb-2026
What's the name of this malformation?
Week of 30-Jan-2026
Patches on the skin of a fattening pig seen at an abattoir. Which is the most probable cause for this lesion?
Week of 23-Jan-2026
This picture is frequently seen at abattoirs. What lesion can we see in this kidney?
Week of 16-Jan-2026
Which lesion patterns are present in this lung?
Week of 09-Jan-2026
What is the name of this process?
Week of 02-Jan-2026
What is the name of this lesion?
Week of 26-Dec-2025
What is the possible aetiology of this lesion?
Week of 19-Dec-2025
What could be causing these lesions?
Week of 12-Dec-2025
What is the name of this parasite?
Week of 05-Dec-2025
Which disease is this?
Week of 28-Nov-2025
This image of a cross-section of a pig lung is characteristic of a pneumonia caused by:
Week of 14-Nov-2025
What pathogens are involved?
Week of 07-Nov-2025
Which lesions are present in this lung?
Week of 24-Oct-2025
Most of the pigs in this pen have dark coloured over the skin. What is the cause of this condition?
Week of 17-Oct-2025
A number of weaners died suddenly within the first 4 weeks post-weaning. All them have oedema of mesocolon at post-mortem examination. What is the most likely cause of this lesion?
Week of 10-Oct-2025
Which pathogen causes this lesion?
Week of 26-Sep-2025
What lesion is seen?
Week of 19-Sep-2025
Many sows have abscesses in the side of the neck. What is the cause of this lesion?
Week of 12-Sep-2025
The whole litter of piglets is trembling and shacking. What is the cause of this condition?
Week of 05-Sep-2025
A carcass is split in half and an abscess is found in the spine and burst. What is the cause of this lesion?
Week of 29-Aug-2025
This animal showed respiratory problems. What can be the cause of these lung lesions?
Week of 22-Aug-2025
This lesion was found after the animal showed recurrent transient fever. Which are the possible causes?
Week of 15-Aug-2025
Which is the most probable cause for the deformation of this ear?
Week of 08-Aug-2025
Which parasite is the culprit for these liver lesions?
Week of 01-Aug-2025
A sow is found with skin lacerations in the pen. What is the cause of this condition?
Week of 25-Jul-2025
A number of finishing pigs have ulcerative pododermatitis on the lateral side of their feet which causes lameness. What is the cause of this lesion?