Assessing individual sow risk factors for coliform mastitis: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Swine Production

Background:

• Coliform mastitis is a significant concern in swine production, leading to economic losses.
• Identifying sow-specific risk factors is crucial for effective disease management and prevention strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sow-specific risk factors associated with coliform mastitis in commercial swine farms.
• To analyze the influence of individual sow characteristics and seasonal factors on disease occurrence.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study was conducted over 28 months on three commercial farms.
• Data from sows with coliform mastitis (cases) and healthy half- or full-sib sows (controls) were analyzed.
• Conditional logistic regression was used to identify risk factors.

Main Results:

• Increased risk of coliform mastitis was associated with a higher number of piglets born alive and stillborn.
• Gilts and sows requiring birth intervention exhibited a higher prevalence of mastitis.
• Birth induction and season did not show a significant influence on mastitis occurrence.

Conclusions:

• The farrowing period is a critical time for sows, requiring heightened farmer attention.
• Monitoring potentially endangered sows, detailed record-keeping, and careful case selection are vital for managing coliform mastitis and mitigating economic impact.