STUDIES ON PREWEANING PIGLET DIARRHEA

The aim of this study was to determine the cause and risk factors invo lved in preweaning piglet diarrhoea. Faecal samples from 2380 diarrhoe ic piglets, 5 to 30 days of age, were examined for enteropathogens. Is ospora suls oocysts were detected in 53.8% of samples, Escherichia col l in 18.2% and rotavirus in 16.9%. 1 suis had the widest distribution, being present on 70.9% of 151 piggeries. The onset of diarrhoea occur red mainly between 7 and 14 days (77.5%), peaking at 10 days. Records of 4086 litters from two intensive piggeries were analysed and showed no seasonal variation or effect of sow parity on the incidence of pigl et diarrhoea. I suis was the most common enteropathogen associated wit h diarrhoea in piglets from 5 days of age until weaning.