July2024 - Journal FINAL - Flipbook - Page 6
Health
Tools to minimize
HEMOLYTIC E. COLI
Emily McDowell, DVM
Pipestone Veterinary Services
Dr. Emily McDowell grew up on a grain and livestock farm near
Primghar in northwest Iowa. She earned her DVM from Iowa State
University in 2011. Emily joined PIPESTONE in 2013, where she
continues to collaborate with independent family farmers and
PIPESTONE-managed sow farms.
Warm, humid weather can bring on more intestinal
issues in recently weaned pigs. The causes of looseness
are many and include viruses (rotavirus and PEDV most
commonly), bacteria (hemolytic E. coli and salmonella),
parasites (coccidia), and environmental and nutritional
factors.
Today we will focus on best practices to minimize the
chances of hemolytic E. coli issues (which can be seen
more often in the summer) and the associated death
loss. There are several different kinds of hemolytic E.
coli9s. Hemolytic E. coli can produce enterotoxins that
induce secretory diarrhea and cause other toxic effects
to the pig (sudden deaths). Thankfully, we have several
tools in our toolbelt to control and prevent E. coli.
Vaccination. One common vaccination option
is to utilize an E. coli receptor blocker. This is an
oral vaccine that provides short-term protection
(about 10 days). An injectable E. coli vaccine
is an exciting emerging technology that we are also
exploring.
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Antibiotic Therapy. A combination of feed and/
or water medications are helpful tools to reduce
looseness. To reduce looseness and associated
death loss with hemolytic E. coli, the bacteria need to
be sensitive to the antibiotic used. It will be necessary
to work with your veterinarian to put together a tailored
antibiotic therapy plan for your operation.
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Environmental Control. Environmental load
reduction is an important piece to help break the
cycle of repeated hemolytic E. coli breaks. Work
with your veterinarian to help design the plan that ots
best with your needs.
6 | PIPESTONE JOURNAL
