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A free diagnostic test for an important pig disease is being offered for the first time to UK pig farmers. The test, known as STEC-Check and worth £150-£200, can quickly pin-point the difficult-to-diagnose oedema disease. It enables vets to identify the E coli sub-types producing Shiga toxin associated with this disease.
“Oedema is a lethal infectious disease, primarily among young piglets and can be confused with other clinical signs,” says Richard Brealey of Hysolv Animal Health UK, the company offering the test.
The test, carried out in conjunction with the farmer’s vet, will provide a quick and accurate diagnosis, enabling appropriate action, including vaccination, to be taken on the farm. Faeces and/or intestinal samples are sent away to validated laboratories enabling results to be confirmed within a few days.
APHA (Animal Health and Plant Agency), Weybridge and SAC Consulting Veterinary Services at Penicuik, will carry out the tests for the UK and Republic of Ireland.
“Oedema disease is not always obvious and may be masked or controlled by the use of antibiotics, the use of zinc oxide or low-protein feeds which can also negatively affect productivity. This test will help confirm the presence of Shiga-toxin producing E coli on the farm, a cause of serious losses in individual herds,” commented Richard. “We are therefore advising farmers to contact their vets to discuss using STEC-check on their farms.”
In Germany, where an effective vaccine, Ecoporc Shiga, has been developed, a nationwide study showed that 59 per cent of farms where oedema was suspected were affected by Shiga toxin.
“This vaccine has been recently licensed for use in the UK. There is pressure on vets and farmers to reduce the use of antimicrobials and vaccination, together with other measures, and this will help them to do this,” said Richard.
In the UK farmers will be able to carry out a DIY calculation of their return on investment online, using their smartphones or by visiting the Shiga toxin website
June 22, 2015 - Hysolv
