Yersinia infection (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Yersinia enterocolitica)
The Yersinia infection is usually subclinical although weaning piglets may have diarrhea.
Description
There are two species of this bacteria in the pig intestine, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica. They usually do not cause disease but they has been associated with small problems in weaned pigs.
Symptoms
Sows
- It is not present.
Lactating piglets
- It is rarely seen.
Nursery and fattening
- Y. enterocolitica causes inflammation of the small and large intestine with diarrhea.
- Y. pseudotuberculosis causes small abscesses along the tract.
- Loss of appetite.
- Mild fever.
Causes / Contributing Factors
This disease is transmitted through feces.
Diagnosis
The main importance of this organism is that it gives place to a cross-reaction when blood tests for brucellosis are made. It is likely that carrier pigs give a positive reaction. If this is the case it is necessary to determine the time during growth where the exposure is taking place and to break the cycle using management measures. Yersinia grows easily in the lab.
Control/Prevention
- Systems all in / all out with cleaning and disinfection to reduce infection.
- There is no effective treatment although antibiotics can reduce the rate of excretion.
