Swine enteric diseases

Enteric diseases, including ileitis, salmonellosis and porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED), are common gastrointestinal disorders that, if left untreated, can result in undernourished, dehydrated pigs and possible death. Pigs of all ages are susceptible to intestinal diseases, and diarrhea is the clinical sign common to nearly all such disorders. Infectious agents that cause enteropathies are typically transmitted via the fecal-oral route. More than 20 etiologic agents, including bacteria, viruses, and parasites, can cause primary intestinal disease in pigs. Some other viruses, including sapovirus, adenocirus, and enterovirus, also have been isolated from the intestines of pigs but are not associated with economically consequential disease. Pig diarrhoea is one of the most frequent health problem in modern production, which can be associated with high mortality, decreased growth rates and an increase in treatment costs. The solution for an enteric disease requires a diagnosis which is based on diagnostic criteria, that must be respected to be reliable. The veterinary practitioner has the responsibility of making a final diagnosis, and based on this to make decisions concerning the management of swine health problems. The veterinary diagnostic laboratory can be an important support providing technical assistance in performing laboratory testing and consultancy activity.