Transmissible gastroenteritis
Transmissible gastroenteritis is a highly infectious disease in pigs, and is caused by a coronavirus.
It is a common viral disease of the small intestine that causes vomiting and profuse diarrhea in pigs of all ages.
Once the virus enters the host, it disrupts the lining of the small intestine. The infected swine then have reduced capability for digesting food and die from dehydration.
The disease spreads rapidly and often fatal in piglets less than one week old.
In some places the disease may end up being endemic, always present but with low mortality. This is especially true for a piggery where susceptible animals are constantly introduced into the herd.
Large amounts of the virus are excreted through faeces. Therefore, faeces is the main source of infection.
The virus can also be spread from one pen to another through boots, brushes, shovels, clothes, etc.
Some birds and dogs have been known to aid spread of the virus.
Outbreaks occur mainly during the cold weather (winter).
Clinical signs
In Piglets
The piglets often vomit and have severe greenish-yellow watery diarrhoea.
The piglets are dehydrated and die in their numbers.
In older pigs
prevention and treatment
Vomiting and greyish diarrhoea.
Abortion may occur in pregnant sows.
Usually mortality is low.
There is no specific treatment for transmissible gastroenteritis.
Electrolytes and access to water are provided to prevent dehydration.
Try as much as possible to keep the piglets warm.
Antibiotics are given to prevent secondary bacterial infection.
Maintain good biosecurity to prevent the disease.
The virus in the environment is susceptible to disinfectants such as iodine.
