PWD vaccine could be an effective control strategy in pig herds
28th September 2022
The post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) vaccine Coliprotec can prevent the disease in nearly 60% of pig herds, UK diagnostic testing data has shown.
PWD is an economically damaging enteric disease in pigs that occurs most frequently in the two weeks after weaning. Symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, dehydration due to excessive diarrhoea and weight loss, all of which can lead to mortality in a high percentage of affected pigs.
Of the PCR tests and bacterial cultures carried out by Elanco Animal Health this year, 58% returned positive for the F4 or F18 strains of enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC), the causative agent of PWD. There are vaccines available to protect against both of these strains.
Elanco technical consultant Agustina Rodriguez said: “PWD is a serious condition affecting a large proportion of pig farms across the UK. F4 and F18 are the most prevalent ETEC strains associated with the disease, however other strains of E. coli can be responsible.”
Ms Rodriguez explained that pathogens such as rotavirus, Campylobacter and Cryptosporidium can also contribute to the disease, especially if gut health is already compromised. It is therefore important to know what strains are affecting the herd so farmers can implement appropriate prevention strategies.
“The continued use of zinc oxide in weaner diets is somewhat masking the true impact of the disease and, once zinc is no longer available, producers may well find it difficult to control PWD if they haven’t already considered an alternative prevention plan,” she added.
Ms Rodriguez emphasised that farmers must take steps to prepare for the disease in advance, starting with diagnostic testing to identify challenges in the herd that could cause PWD.
“Producers can then consider the best way of controlling the disease so to avoid significant drops in liveweight gain and extended finishing times,” she explained.
As with any disease, there is no single solution and multiple measures will need to be implemented to achieve control, including enhanced biosecurity and vaccination where appropriate.
“The options available include vaccinating with Coliprotec, an in-water oral vaccine that protects piglets against the two main strains of E. coli involved in PWD, F4 and F18. Piglets can be vaccinated from 18 days of age with onset of full immunity within seven days, providing early protection against the disease,” Ms Rodriguez said.
Launched on 1st May this year, Coliprotec is the first single-dose oral vaccine that provides protection against the F4 and F18 strains of E. coli. When used in conjunction with measures such as good hygiene and nutrition, immunisation offers a good return on investment alongside other positive effects, Ms Rodriguez explained.
“Farms using the Coliprotec vaccine are reducing their reliance on antimicrobials to control scours. They’re also noticing that piglets are eating more, and that they’re achieving an extra 2kg of slaughter weight [1] while reaching market weights seven days sooner [2].”
To help farmers choose the right PWD prevention strategy, Elanco are currently offering free diagnostic testing kits. To get a free test, send an email to Pigteam@elancoah.com.
For more information on the Coliprotec vaccine, visit: www.myelanco.co.uk/brand/coliprotec
[1] Purina Mills Each Production Phase Impacts the Next 2015 (v1.0)
[2] Vangroenweghe F et al 10th European Symposium of Porcine Health Management 2018 254 (v1.0)
