Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of M. hyopneumoniae infection in suckling pigs. Nasal swabs were collected from 300 suckling pigs originating from five farrow-to-finishing farms. One farm had a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) and four other farms previously had a PRDC problem (farms B, C, D and E). Thirty (30) lactating sows in parity 1, 2 and 3 were selected from each farm (Ten sows per parity). Two piglets from each sow were randomly sampled for nasal swab at 3 weeks of age. The samples were analyzed by the nested PCR technique. Forty five per cent (27/60) of nasal swabs from farm A were found positive. On the other hand, a total of 2.08 per cent were found positive (5/240) from farm B, C, D and E. The tendency of piglet infection per sow by parity showed that first parity had more prevalence than the second and the third parity (60%, 55%, 20%), respectively. We have found a correction between M. hyopneumoniae early infection in suckling pigs and a confirmed PRDC problem (farm A) as oppose to farms that did not have a PRDC problem. The strategies to prevent M. hyopneumoniae early infection are to maintain good lactation, antibiotic prevention program and early M. hyopneumoniae vaccinatio
Highlights
M. hyopneumoniae is the primary agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia and associated with respiratory diseases
We have found a correction between M. hyopneumoniae early infection in suckling pigs and a confirmed porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) problem as oppose to farms that did not have a PRDC problem
The extent of natural infection caused by M. hyopneumoniae in piglets on farms A, B, C, D and E were 45%, 8.33%, 0%, 0% and 0%, respectively (Table 1)
Summary
M. hyopneumoniae is the primary agent of porcine enzootic pneumonia and associated with respiratory diseases. It plays a crucial role in the porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC). It causes major economic losses in the swine industry worldwide mainly due to reduced performance and increased susceptibility to other infections. M. hyopneumoniae is normally transmitted to susceptible pigs by direct contact or sharing of the same air space with infected pigs. Nested PCR is a sensitive method to detect M. hyopneumoniae infection in young pig [3]. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of natural infection caused by M. hyopneumoniae in suckling pigs in commercial pig farms in Thailand
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