An investigation of the etiology of a mild diarrhea observed in a group ofgrower/finisher pigs

An investigation into a mild diarrhea in a group of grower/finisher pigs wa s carried out in order to determine the etiology. A tiamulin injection and a carbadox-medicated ration were given to pens of pigs in a 2 X 2 factorial experimental design. Pens of pigs were assessed a score, based on the cons istency of the feces in the pen, each week. The clinical investigation look ed for the intestinal pathogens Brachyspira pilosicoli, B. hyodysenteriae, Lawsonia intracellularis, Samonella spp., Yersinia spp., transmissible gast roenteritis virus, and rotavirus. Despite a rigorous investigation, the dia rrhea was not attributed to any pathogen. A mild colitis was noted among pi gs necropsied while affected with diarrhea. Improved diagnostic tools may a llow a more effective response to an outbreak of mild disease, while at the same time reducing the amount of antimicrobials used in swine production.