The Top-Ten Facts About Coliform Mastitis

(1) Coliform Mastitis (CM) in sows is the term used for a variety of different Mastitis Problems in sows. Some names are MMA, PPDS, and PDS. It can cause high mortality rates in nursing piglets.

(2) Since Coliform Mastitis usually occurs at 12 to 48 hours after parturition, it occurs when the piglet is most vulnerable. Piglets are still absorbing some “Colostral Effect” up to 24 hours of age, and even at 48 hours of age they do not have an abundance of energy or fat stored up.

(3) If Coliform Mastitis (CM) keeps piglet form getting adequate colostrum and energy, it may cause diarrhea, poor growth, and even starvation.

(4) The Non-Infectious Factors increasing the occurance of Coliform Mastitis (CM) in sows are:
(A) Parities 1+2 and High Parity Sows
(B) Long Gestation (i.e. greater than 116 days)
(C) Parturition greater than 3 hours long
(D) Obstetrick Intervention
(E) Litter Size greater than 11
(F) Genetic Predisposition
(G) Seasonal Influences
(H) Lack of Crude Fiber in the sow’s feed
(I) Rapid Changes in the Nutrition and
(J) Single Housing with lack of exercise.

(5) Sows with Coliform Mastitis (CM), and the pain it causes, may lay on their teats and not let their piglets nurse, thereby causing lack of growth of the nursing piglet and even death, of some or all, of the nursing piglets.

(6) Coliform Mastitis (CM) can cause Fertility Problems, both temporary, and permanent.

(7) There are many bacteria that can cause Coliform Mastitis (CM). Coliform Bacteria causing mastitis in sows appear to be mainly Escherichia Coli, but can alos be Klesiella, Citrobacter, Enterobacter, Streptococci, Staphylococci, Pseudomonas, Cornybacterium, Actinobaculum, Proteus, and Erysipelothrix Species.

(8) In Coliform Mastitis (CM) the sows udder may be hard, swollen, warm to the touch, and even red in color.

(9) Since diagnosis of Coliform Mastitis (CM) is usually done on the farm by a production personnel, without testing for antimicrobial susceptibility, broad spectrum antibiotics like amoxicillin, tylosin and the potentialted sulphonamides are usually recommended. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflamatory drugs (NSAIDS) can help as well. Check with your Veterinarian for his program for Coliform Mastitis (CM) treatment. (

10) Coliform Bacteria are ubiquitous (i.e. they are everywhere!).

Reference: Gerjets, Imke and Nicole Kemper DVM “Coliform mastitis in sows: A review” Journal of Swine Health and Production March and April 2009 pages 97 to 105