{"id":6034,"date":"2015-06-10T14:31:22","date_gmt":"2015-06-10T13:31:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/?page_id=6034"},"modified":"2016-04-18T14:12:56","modified_gmt":"2016-04-18T13:12:56","slug":"clostridia","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/disease-management\/pig-diseases\/clostridia\/","title":{"rendered":"Clostridia"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"printfriendly pf-button  pf-alignright\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/disease-management\/pig-diseases\/clostridia\/?pfstyle=wp\" rel=\"nofollow\" onclick=\"pfTrackEvent(&#039;Clostridia&#039;); return false;\" title=\"Printer Friendly, PDF & Email\">\n                    <img decoding=\"async\" class=\"pf-button-img\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.printfriendly.com\/buttons\/printfriendly-pdf-email-button-notext.png\" alt=\"Print Friendly, PDF & Email\" style=\"width: 110px;height: 30px;\"  \/>\n                    <\/a>\n                <\/div><\/p>\n<h2>Pig Diseases<\/h2><div id=\"gticontainer\"><div class=\"gti_clear\"><\/div><div id=\"gti_letterindex\"><ul><li><a href=\"#gti_all\">All<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_B\" href=\"#\">B<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_C\" href=\"#\">C<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_D\" href=\"#\">D<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_E\" href=\"#\">E<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_G\" href=\"#\">G<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_L\" href=\"#\">L<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_M\" href=\"#\">M<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_P\" href=\"#\">P<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_R\" href=\"#\">R<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_S\" href=\"#\">S<\/a><\/li><li><a id=\"gti_sel_T\" href=\"#\">T<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class=\"gti_clear\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"tagindex\"><div id='gti_div_B'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_B'>B<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/blue-ear-disease\/\">Blue Ear Disease<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_C'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_C'>C<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/clostridia\/\">Clostridia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/coccidiosis-in-pigs\/\">Coccidiosis in Pigs<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/colibacillosis-in-pigs\/\">Colibacillosis in Pigs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_D'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_D'>D<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/piglet-diarrhoea-3\/\">Diarrhea (Piglet)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_E'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_E'>E<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/colibacillosis-in-pigs-2\/\">E. coli<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/coccidiosis-in-pigs-2\/\">Eimeria<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/enteritis-necrotic\/\">Enteritis - Necrotic<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/erysipelothrix-rhusiopathiae\/\">Erysipelas<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/external-parasites\/\">External Parasites<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/colibacillosis-in-pigs-3\/\">Edema Disease<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_G'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_G'>G<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-4\/\">Greasy Pig Disease<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_L'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_L'>L<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-2\/\">Lice<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_M'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_M'>M<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-3\/\">Mange<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/meningitis\/\">Meningitis<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_P'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_P'>P<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/porcine-parvovirus-2\/\">Parvovirus<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs-2-3\/\">PEARS<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/piglet-diarrhoea\/\">Piglet Diarrhea<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/pneumonia\/\">Pneumonia<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs-3\/\">Porcine Epidemic Abortion and Respiratory Syndrome<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/porcine-parvovirus\/\">Porcine Parvovirus<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs-2\/\">Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/piglet-diarrhoea-2\/\">Post-weaning Diarrhea<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs\/\">PRRS<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_R'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_R'>R<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/pneumonia-in-pigs\/\">Respiratory Disease<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-6\/\">Ringworm<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_S'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_S'>S<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/piglet-diarrhoea-4\/\">Scours<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs-2-2\/\">SIRS<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions\/\">Skin conditions<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/streptococcus-suis\/\">Streptococcal Infections<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/prrs-2-4\/\">Swine Infertility and Respiratory Syndrome<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-5\/\">Swine Pox<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><div id='gti_div_T'><div class='blockletter' id='gti_T'>T<\/div><ul><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/tetanus\/\">Tetanus<\/a><\/li><li style=\"width:100%;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/pig-diseases\/\/skin-conditions-7\/\">Ticks<\/a><\/li><\/ul><div class='gti_clear'><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<h4>Clostridial Disease in Pigs<\/h4>\n<p><em><strong>Also known as: Enteritis &#8211; Necrotic, Tetanus<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n<div class=\"two_third\">\n<strong><em>Clostridia<\/em> are a species of soil-dwelling anaerobic bacteria that produce toxins that\u00a0can kill a host in a short period of time. The toxins are the main cause of disease, not the bacteria, but treatment must be given to prevent multiplication of the bacteria. Clostridial related <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhoea.\">enteritis<\/a><\/span> is a primary cause of diarrhea in piglets (<a href=\"#ref\">Potter, 1998<\/a>; <a href=\"#ref\">Taylor, 1995<\/a>). Other <em>Clostridia<\/em> may develop in existing wounds, and can lead to high mortality rates.\u00a0 Whenever sow mortality is more than 4% in the herd, death <a id=\"clostridia\"><\/a>due to clostridial disease should be considered.<\/strong><\/p>\n<div class=\"hr hr3\" style='margin:30px 0px 10px 0px !important;'><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"one_third last\">\n<p><a class=\"button medium alternative-1\" title=\"What causes clostridial disease?\" href=\"#clostridia\">What Causes Clostridial Disease?<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"button medium alternative-1\" title=\"Control and Prevention\" href=\"#control_prevention\">Control and Prevention<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"button medium alternative-1\" title=\"What are the treatment options?\" href=\"#treatment\">Treatment Options<\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"button medium alternative-1\" title=\"Good Practice Based on Current Knowledge\" href=\"#good_practice\">Good Practice<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"clear\"><\/div>\n<h4>What Causes Clostridial Disease in Pigs?<\/h4>\n<p><em>Clostridia<\/em> are soil and fecal borne organisms that form <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"A small, resistant reproductive unit\">spores<\/a><\/span> (<span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"The formation of spores, small, resistant reproductive units\">sporulate<\/a><\/span>) and\u00a0can survive for a very long time, even in inhospitable environments. Therefore outdoor herds are at greater risk of Clostridial disease than indoor herds.\u00a0 Sheep are also susceptible to clostridial disease, however, it is not necessary for pasture to have been grazed by sheep to create a risk to pigs.<\/p>\n<p>Clostridial infection can affect pigs of all ages and clostridial disease can take one of four forms:<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Clostridial <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea.\">enteritis<\/a><\/span>\u00a0associated with <em>Clostridium perfringens<\/em>\u00a0Types A &amp; C<\/li>\n<li><em>Clostridium novyi<\/em> causes <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Dead cells or tissue\">necrotic<\/a><\/span>\u00a0or anaerobic hepatitis in sows and older growing pigs<\/li>\n<li><em>Clostridium septicum <\/em>infection (often called malignant oedema) causes clostridial cellulitis and gas gangrene in swine with open wounds (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>).<\/li>\n<li><em>Clostridium tetani<\/em> causes tetanus, although this is uncommon<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><em>Cl.<\/em> <em>novyi<\/em> infections in particular can be a major problem in outdoor pigs, though not exclusively.\u00a0Suboptimal outdoor environment and high outdoor infection pressure were cited as potential contributors to sow mortality caused by <em>Cl. novyi<\/em> on an outdoor pig unit (<a href=\"#ref\">Almond and Bilkei, 2005<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><em>Cl. septicum<\/em> and <em>Cl. tetani<\/em> can be widespread in soil, and therefore may be a risk to outdoor units.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"responsive\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6017\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Sows-outdoors-with-piglets.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6017\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6017\" src=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Sows-outdoors-with-piglets-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"Sows outdoors with piglets\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Sows-outdoors-with-piglets-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/Sows-outdoors-with-piglets.jpg 448w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6017\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong><em>Clostridia<\/em> are soil and fecal borne bacteria, and the spores they produce are very resistant to heat, UV light and disinfectant. Clostridial species\u00a0are often associated with outdoor herds due to the abundance of the spores in the soil.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Clostridial enteritis<\/h3>\n<p>Enteritis may affect only 3 or 4 litters in a herd (Taylor, 1995) but can also cause large-scale outbreaks.\u00a0<em>Cl.<\/em> <em>perfringens<\/em>\u00a0Types A and C are common sources of infection (Types B and D are extremely rare). <em>Cl.<\/em> <em>perfringens <\/em>Type C is a primary pathogen and the most frequently occurring\u00a0form, causing <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Dead cells or tissue\">necrotic<\/a><\/span> and\u00a0hemorrhagic <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea.\">enteritis<\/a><\/span> \u00a0(<a href=\"#ref\">Potter, 1998<\/a>; <a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). It can colonise after other pathogens such as transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) virus, coccidia, rotavirus, and porcine epidemic diarrhea virus. Type C disease typically occurs in the first 3-4 days of life, but has been recorded in older piglets (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). When infected with <em>Cl. Perfringens <\/em>Type C piglets will show signs of <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea.\">enteritis<\/a><\/span>\u00a0in the first or second day, producing sudden, profuse bloody diarrhea (<a href=\"#ref\">Cowart, 1995<\/a>). Piglets rapidly lose condition, become dehydrated and die.\u00a0 Acute neonatal clostridial <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea.\">enteritis<\/a><\/span>\u00a0can wipe out whole litters before clinical signs develop, resulting in high levels of mortality. When formed, the spores from <em>Cl.<\/em> <em>perfringens <\/em>Type C\u00a0persist in the environment by virtue of their resistance to heat, disinfectants, and ultraviolet light. The disease cycles through non-vaccinated piglets but the ultimate source of infection is the intestine of the sow (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Uzal, 2005<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p><em>Cl. perfringens <\/em>Type A is part of the <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"The mixture or microorganisms normally found at specific body sites \">normal flora<\/a><\/span>\u00a0\u00a0of the pig intestine, hence can be found in the intestines of both healthy and diseased individuals (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Uzal, 2005<\/a>). Type A disease usually develops in the first week of life, presenting as creamy, pasty diarrhea and a roughened hair coat.\u00a0 Clinical signs persist for up to 5 days, following which most piglets recover but remain stunted. Sows are the likely source\u00a0of infection (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Uzal, 2005<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p>See:\u00a0\u00a0 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nadis.org.uk\/bulletins\/clostridium-perfringens-infection-in-piglets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\">NADIS Pig Disease Focus \u2013 <em>Clostridial<\/em> <em>perfringens<\/em>\u00a0infection in piglets<\/a><\/p>\n<h3><em>Clostridium novyi<\/em><\/h3>\n<p><em>Cl. novyi<\/em> causes <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Dead cells or tissue\">necrotic<\/a><\/span> or anaerobic hepatitis and affects older stock, particularly sows (<a href=\"#ref\">Potter, 1998<\/a>; <a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). Necrotic or anaerobic hepatitis results in sudden death, and is often not well diagnosed, as carcasses decompose rapidly (<a href=\"#ref\">Potter, 1998<\/a>).<\/p>\n<h3><em>Clostridium septicum <\/em>(Malignant Edema)<\/h3>\n<p><em>Cl. septicum<\/em>\u00a0can be widespread in the soil, and is therefore a risk factor for outdoor units. Clinical signs\u00a0develop rapidly, as\u00a0swelling, often around the abdomen, head or shoulders. The area of swelling may show reddish purple colouring of the skin, which spreads rapidly. Movement may be affected by swelling, and latterly animals lie flat and may groan (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). This disease is rapidly fatal.<\/p>\n<h3><em>Clostridium tetani <\/em>(Tetanus)<\/h3>\n<p><em><a id=\"control_prevention\"><\/a>Cl. tetani<\/em> infections can affect all ages, but most commonly disease occurs in young piglets with open wounds, including the umbilicus, or wounds left by castration, tail docking or teeth clipping. Tetanus infection is characterised by stiff gait and muscle spasms. As infection develops, the animal&#8217;s ears become erect, its tail may straighten and eventually the animal will lie prone (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). Spasms continue until death, heightened by localized sound, touch or movement.\u00a0Infection is often fatal (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>).<\/p>\n<div class=\"hr hr3\" style='margin:30px 0px 10px 0px !important;'><\/div>\n<h4>Control and Prevention Clostridial Disease in Pigs<\/h4>\n<p>Clostridial infections are closely associated with lack of hygiene and sanitation.<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"responsive\"><\/p>\n<div id=\"attachment_6008\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/freerange-sow-and-piglets.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6008\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-6008\" src=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/freerange-sow-and-piglets-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"freerange sow and piglets\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/freerange-sow-and-piglets-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/06\/freerange-sow-and-piglets.jpg 448w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-6008\" class=\"wp-caption-text\"><strong>Enteritis caused by <em>Clostridia<\/em> is usually spread via piglet-to-piglet contact, or through maternal feces. Infection can be minimized by good hygiene protocols, such as moving and re-bedding farrowing huts onto new ground after every litter.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<p><\/span><span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"Inflammation of the intestine, especially the small intestine, usually accompanied by diarrhea.\">Enteritis<\/a><\/span> is spread through piglet-to-piglet contact and maternal feces (<a href=\"#ref\">Songer and Taylor, 2013<\/a>). The maintenance of high levels of hygiene through regular replenishment of bedding, disposal\/burning of used bedding, disinfecting of farrowing huts between litters, and the regular movement of individual huts and farrowing paddocks will minimize infections.<\/p>\n<p>Vaccination is recommended as a control strategy, particularly in outdoor herds, due to the increased risk of infection. The prophylactic use of\u00a0antimicrobials is not recommended as it is not a sustainable strategy.\u00a0\u00a0Vaccination of the sow will protect against Types B, C and D. The vaccine Clostriporc A made by IDT is available in the EU and could be imported under licence from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate (VMD) if Type A is confirmed in a clinical case.<\/p>\n<p>Where\u00a0<em>Cl. novyi<\/em> is recognised as a problem in sows, vaccination with an appropriate <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"A drug or vaccine active against several strains of pathogen or toxin\">polyvalent<\/a><\/span> vaccine is highly effective. With the exception of a combined <em>E. coli<\/em>\/<em>Cl. perfringens\u00a0<\/em>vaccine, which has been developed specifically for pigs, the <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"A drug or vaccine active against several strains of pathogen or toxin\">polyvalent<\/a><\/span> clostridial vaccines were developed for sheep and cattle and cross-licensed for pigs. Where supply problems occur with a pig-licensed product, it is possible under veterinary prescription alone, to use a product that is only licensed for sheep, however, a licensed vaccine for pigs should be the first choice if available.<\/p>\n<p>Tetanus and <em>Cl. septicum<\/em> infections are less common, but good sanitation and steps to minimize initial wounds are important. Poorly maintained huts or feeders with sharp corrugated edges are another common source of wounds and cuts. If castration is carried out, good sanitation is critical in avoiding tetanus infection. If either <em>Cl. septicum<\/em> or <em>Cl. tetani<\/em> are a problem, these are included in the multivalent ovine vaccines. In this instance, ovine vaccines could be used under the rules of the VMD cascade.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"treatment\"><\/a>Vaccines offer effective protection for herds with a history of the disease (<a href=\"#ref\">Potter, 1998<\/a>). In the higher risk outdoor situation, vaccination can be cost effective. On infected land, a vaccine programme to control <em>Cl. perfringens<\/em>\u00a0Types B and C could be implemented. Vaccination should be based on a risk assessment and should be incorporated within the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/veterinary-questions\/animal-health-planning\/\">health plan<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Prompt disposal of suspect carcases by incineration or collection by a disposal agent, will minimize spread of <span class=\"tooltips\"><a href=\"#\" rel=\"tooltip\" title=\"A small, resistant reproductive unit\">spores<\/a><\/span>. Carcases should not be buried as this can lead to soil contamination.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hr hr3\" style='margin:30px 0px 10px 0px !important;'><\/div>\n<h4>Treating Clostridial Disease in Pigs<\/h4>\n<p>Treatment of clostridial infections is limited by the fact that clinical signs often indicate advanced infection. Veterinary advice should be sought\u00a0for\u00a0accurate and prompt diagnosis, including antimicrobial sensitivity testing where appropriate. \u00a0Penicillin and other antibiotics have been used to treat <em>Cl. perfringens<\/em>\u00a0Type A infection, tetanus and <em>Cl. septicum<\/em>. Antitoxin may be effective in treating tetanus. However, advanced infection may in practice impede effective treatment (<a href=\"#ref\">Cowart, 1995<\/a>; <a href=\"#ref\">Taylor, 1995<\/a>), and humane destruction of the affected animals is advisable on animal welfare grounds. Prompt disposal of suspect carcasses is important to minimize spread of spores and soil contamination.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hr hr3\" style='margin:30px 0px 10px 0px !important;'><\/div>\n<h4>Clostridial Disease in Pigs and Welfare<\/h4>\n<p><a id=\"good_practice\"><\/a>Most clostridial infections are extremely distressing to the affected animal and are virtually always fatal. It is, <a id=\"good_practice\"><\/a>therefore, important to prevent the disease. When advanced infection is diagnosed the affected animals should be humanely destroyed, and carcasses should be safely disposed of to avoid further cases.<\/p>\n<div class=\"hr hr3\" style='margin:30px 0px 10px 0px !important;'><\/div>\n<h4>Good Practice based on Current Knowledge<\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li>Maintain high levels of hygiene through regular replenishment of bedding, disposal\/burning of used bedding<\/li>\n<li>Disinfect and move farrowing huts between litters<\/li>\n<li>Move farrowing paddock after each farrowing<\/li>\n<li>Maintenance of huts and equipment to avoid unnecessary cuts and wounds<\/li>\n<li>Avoid all mutilations, including castration<\/li>\n<li>Utilize appropriate vaccination strategies<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If clostridial diseases have been a problem in the herd, discuss an appropriate vaccination program with a\u00a0veterinarian in order to diminish disease risk.<\/p>\n<h3>Further Reading:<\/h3>\n<p>NADIS Pig Disease Focus \u2013 <a href=\"http:\/\/www.nadis.org.uk\/bulletins\/clostridium-perfringens-infection-in-piglets.aspx\" target=\"_blank\"><em>Clostridial<\/em> <em>perfringens <\/em>infection in piglets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p><a id=\"ref\"><\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"toggle\">\n<div class=\"toggle-title active\">Clostridial Disease References<span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"toggle-inner\">\n<div id=\"zotpress-a994109adfc8cc4ee5bef6fc2423106e\" class=\"zp-Zotpress zp-Zotpress-Bib wp-block-group\">\n\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_API_USER_ID\" style=\"display: none;\">254757<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_ITEM_KEY\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_COLLECTION_ID\" style=\"display: none;\">3N7U9546<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_TAG_ID\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_AUTHOR\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_YEAR\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"ZP_ITEMTYPE\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"ZP_ITEM_TYPE\" style=\"display: none;\">items<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_INCLUSIVE\" style=\"display: none;\">1<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_STYLE\" style=\"display: none;\">apa<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_LIMIT\" style=\"display: none;\">0<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_SORTBY\" style=\"display: none;\">author<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_ORDER\" style=\"display: none;\">asc<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_TITLE\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_SHOWIMAGE\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_SHOWTAGS\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_DOWNLOADABLE\" style=\"display: none;\">1<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_NOTES\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_ABSTRACT\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_CITEABLE\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_TARGET\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_URLWRAP\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZP_FORCENUM\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"ZP_HIGHLIGHT\" style=\"display: none;\"><\/span>\n        <span class=\"ZP_POSTID\" style=\"display: none;\">6034<\/span>\n\t\t<span class=\"ZOTPRESS_PLUGIN_URL\" style=\"display:none;\">https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/wp-content\/plugins\/zotpress\/<\/span>\n\n\t\t<div class=\"zp-List loading\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"zp-SEO-Content\">\n\n\t\t\t<\/div><!-- .zp-zp-SEO-Content -->\n\t\t<\/div><!-- .zp-List -->\n\t<\/div><!--.zp-Zotpress-->\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p> [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":9,"featured_media":6014,"parent":1189,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-fullwidth.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6034"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/9"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6034"}],"version-history":[{"count":52,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6034\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11555,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6034\/revisions\/11555"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1189"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6014"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.farmhealthonline.com\/US\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6034"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}