Yersinia infection

The Yersinia infection is usually subclinical although weaning piglets may have diarrhea.

Alternative names: Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Yersinia enterocolitica

Information

There are two species of this bacteria in the pig intestine, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and Y. enterocolitica. They usually do not cause disease but they have been associated with small problems in weaned pigs. Swine are an important source for human food-borne Yersinia infections.

Symptoms

Sows

  • It is not present.

Sucking piglets

  • It is rarely seen.

Nursery and fattening

  • Y. enterocolitica causes inflammation of the small and large intestine with diarrhea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Y. pseudotuberculosis causes small abscesses along the tract.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Mild fever.
  • Edema.

Causes / Contributing Factors

This disease is transmitted through feces.

Diagnosis

  • Culture.
  • Serology can help identify timing of infection.
  • Serology can cross-react with brucellosis.

Control/Prevention

  • Systems all in / all out with cleaning and disinfection to reduce infection.
  • There is no effective treatment.

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