Bacteriologic study of sow agalactia

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Animal Science
• Microbiology

Background:

• Mastitis is a common concern in sows, impacting milk production and piglet health.
• Understanding the causative agents and their association with disease is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the bacterial causes of mastitis in sows.
• To determine the association between specific bacterial isolates and mastitis lesions.

Main Methods:

• Necropsy was performed on agalactic and lactating sows.
• Bacterial cultures were obtained from mammary glands, uterus, and cervix.
• Microscopic examination assessed mastitis lesions.
• Isolation and identification of predominant organisms including Escherichia coli, Streptococcus equisimilis, and Staphylococcus epidermidis.

Main Results:

• Mastitis lesions were observed in both agalactic and clinically normal sows.
• Escherichia coli pure cultures were significantly associated with microscopic mastitis lesions.
• High numbers of beta-hemolytic streptococci or Staphylococcus epidermidis were also linked to mastitis.
• No strict anaerobes, spirochetes, mycoplasmas, or chlamydiae were detected in mammary glands.

Conclusions:

• Coliforms, particularly Escherichia coli, are confirmed as significant bacterial agents in sow mastitis.
• The presence of pure E. coli cultures is a strong indicator of mastitis.
• Further research may be needed to fully elucidate the role of other bacteria in sow mastitis.