Diminution of Campylobacter colonization in neonatal pigs reared off-sow

Pigs may be a natural reservoir of Campylobacter and can be colonized as ea rly as 24 h after birth. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate w hat effect early removal of piglets from Campylobacter-positive sows has on Campylobacter prevalence in neonates. In two trials, piglets were removed from sows within 24 h of birth and were reared in nurseries isolated from s ows for 21 days. From the neonates rectal swabs were cultured for Campyloba cter, and Campylobacter status of the isolated piglets was compared to that of littermates reared on sows. The nurseries consisted of wire-floored far rowing crates that were equipped with heaters and self-feeders. In trial I, the Campylobacter prevalence in nursery-reared piglets was 13 of 14 on day 2 and 0 of 14 on day 20. Campylobacter prevalence in the sow-reared piglet s was 8 of 9 from days 2 to 20. In trial II, 12 of 29 on day 2, and 5 of 26 on day 20, of the nursery-reared piglets were culture positive for Campylo bacter. For the sow-reared piglets, Campylobacter prevalence was 7 of 15 on day 1 and 15 of 15 (100%) on day 20. These data suggest that successful pe rmanent colonization of the gut by Campylobacter is probably related to con stant exposure of piglets to Campylobacter-positive feces. Campylobacter pr evalence may be diminished in neonates that are reared off-sow in isolated nurseries.