Free piglet E. coli testing now available to farmers

Elanco, a global leader in animal health products and services, have announced that their free test is now available through veterinary practices. E. coli can be extremely harmful to piglets and testing can help farmers quickly confirm a diagnosis and take action.

There can be several causes of PWD, as piglets adjust to life without their mother’s antibodies. E. coli can be one of the most serious causes and the germs associated can survive in pastures and water sources for up to 6 months. Accessing a testing service through a vet practice,  means that farmers can have prescriptions and advise on any appropriate vaccinations straight away.

Prof. Frédéric Vangroenweghe, Elanco’s principal technical adviser, explains: “With the European zinc oxide ban approaching, the most viable option for PWD control is vaccination. But, for this to be effective and lead to increased productivity, a positive diagnosis of the cause should be obtained,” he says.

“All you need to do is request a test from your vet at the first onset of PWD, which typically occurs in the first three weeks after weaning. If you have a positive test for the F4 or F18 strain of E. coli, it’s likely this will remain or increase in future batches of piglets.”

To effectively prevent against the disease while promoting gut health, Prof. Vangroenweghe recommends administering the Coliprotec vaccine through drinking water. “This vaccination has been shown to help reduce reliance on antibiotics and should alleviate the requirement of zinc oxide in feed,” he says.

To request your free on farm test, speak to your vet. For further information, visit www.myelanco.co.uk/pub/coliprotec-vaccine-guide.