Microscopical Evaluation of Smears of the Leptomeninges to Predict Meningitis in Piglets.

Meningitis, caused by bacterial infections such as spp., is a frequently observed cause of death in pigs. In order to implement effective treatment and avoid further losses, it is important to establish this diagnosis quickly.

Dynamics of the Enteric Virome in a Swine Herd Affected by Non-PCV2/PRRSV Postweaning Wasting Syndrome.

A commercial pig farm with no history of porcine circovirus 2 (PCV2) or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) repeatedly reported a significant reduction in body weight gain and wasting symptoms in approximately 20-30% of the pigs in the period between three and six weeks after weaning. As standard clinical interventions failed to tackle symptomatology, viral metagenomics were used to describe and monitor the enteric virome at birth, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, and 9 weeks of age. The latter four sampling points were 7 days, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks post weaning, respectively.

Use of paracetamol in sows around farrowing: effect on health and condition of the sow, piglet mortality, piglet weight and piglet weight gain.

Background: Pain and fever in the periparturient period can lead to prolonged farrowing and can slow down the recovery of the sow, which will have an effect on the vitality and survival of the piglets. This study investigated the use of orally administered Paracetamol (Pracetam- CEVA) in sows in the periparturient period.

Results: Mortality did not differ in piglets during the first week, or during total lactation (P > 0.

Two novel porcine teschovirus strains as the causative agents of encephalomyelitis in the Netherlands.

Background: Porcine teschovirus (PTV) circulates among wild and domesticated pig populations without causing clinical disease, however neuroinvasive strains have caused high morbidity and mortality in the past. In recent years, several reports appeared with viral agents as a cause for neurologic signs in weanling and growing pigs among which PTV and new strains of PTV were described.

Case Presentation: On two unrelated pig farms in the Netherlands the weanling pig population showed a staggering gate, which developed progressively to paresis or paralysis of the hind legs with a morbidity up to 5%.

Chronic allopurinol treatment during the last trimester of pregnancy in sows: effects on low and normal birth weight offspring.

Low-birth-weight (LBW) children are born with several risk factors for disease, morbidity and neonatal mortality, even if carried to term. Placental insufficiency leading to hypoxemia and reduced nutritional supply is the main cause for LBW. Brain damage and poor neurological outcome can be the consequence.