Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome
Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS) is a clinical condition characterized by anorexia, lethargy, and progressive debilitation of pigs occurring within the first three weeks after weaning.
Alternative names: PFTS
Information
Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS) was a clinical condition of great interest in North America between 2008 and 2012. It was characterized by up to 20% of weaned pigs failing to grow after weaning. These pigs were negative for PRRS and influenza A virus, vaccinated for PCV2, yet clinically presented with anorexia, lethargy, and progressive debilitation. All potentially harmful infectious, nutritional, management, and environmental factors were ruled out.
Symptoms
Weaned pigs only
- Occurs within first 2 weeks of weaning.
- Mild to moderate morbidity (1-20%) with groups that grow normally (unaffected).
- High mortality in affected pigs.
- Anorexia.
- Lethargy.
- Sneezing.
- Sunken abdomen.
- Repetitive licking, chewing or chomping behavior.
Causes / Contributing Factors
- No known causes or contributing factors.
Diagnosis
A history of anorexia, lethargy and progressive debilitation of pigs occurring during the first three weeks after weaning without infectious, nutritional, management or environmental factors. Histopathological lesions include active and suppurative chronic lymphocytic rhinitis, superficial lymphocytic fundic gastritis, atrophic enteritis, superficial colitis and thymic atrophy. Various tissue samples must be taken to confirm the diagnosis, including nasal turbines, fundus region of the stomach, small intestine, large intestine, and thymus, in addition to the usual tissues.
Control/Prevention
- Currently there is no known treatment or prevention programs specifically for PFTS.
- Must treat/address all other common pathogen and environmental conditions.
- Minimize weaning of young pigs at <16 days of age.
- Early detection of problem (4-5 days post weaning) and aggressive supportive care can sometimes minimize disease progression.
- Ensure proper starting diet and water access.
