How to prevent and treat Eubacterium suis infection in pigs? A full analysis of methods and measures
Eubacterium suis (formerly known as Corynebacterium suis) is widely distributed in nature, and most strains are non-pathogenic; only a few are pathogenic and can cause acute or chronic infectious diseases in humans and animals. It is generally characterized by purulent or caseous pathological changes in certain tissues and organs. Clinically, it mainly causes urinary tract infections in sows.
Pathogen and epidemiological characteristics: Eubacterium suis is a pleomorphic large bacillus. It ranges from spherical to rod-shaped, and the longer bacterial cells are swollen at one or both ends into a club shape, occurring singly or arranged in palisades or clusters. It is Gram-positive, with no flagella, capsule or spores. This bacterium mainly exists in the prepuce and preputial diverticulum of healthy boars; about 80% of healthy pigs carry it normally, and it may also appear in small amounts in the vestibule of the sow's vagina. During mating, if injury occurs at the sow's urethral opening, the bacteria can travel retrograde through the urethra to the bladder, where they grow and multiply, causing cystitis and pyelonephritis.
Clinical symptoms: In mild cases, only purulent discharge from the vulva and a small amount of blood in the urine are seen. In severe cases, the lesions can involve the urethra, bladder, ureters, renal pelvis and kidneys, manifesting as frequent urination, with urine containing pus cells, blood clots, fibrin and mucosal fragments, reduced appetite or refusal to eat, depression, thirst, and gradual weight loss. Some cases also cause purulent pneumonia, bronchitis, endometritis, polyarthritis, osteomyelitis, omphalitis in piglets, subcutaneous abscesses and mammary abscesses in pigs.
Prevention and treatment measures: Isolate and treat affected pigs promptly. Administer a large dose of penicillin by intramuscular injection, 40,000 units/kg body weight, twice a day for 3 consecutive days, followed by intramuscular injection of enrofloxacin, 7 mg/kg body weight, for 3 consecutive days, which is effective. To prevent this disease, flush the prepuce and preputial diverticulum of suspected carrier breeding boars with a disinfectant solution such as 0.1% potassium permanganate; where conditions permit, artificial insemination of pigs is recommended. For sows with vaginal injury, intramuscular injection of penicillin for 2 to 3 days after mating has a relatively good preventive effect.