Bordetellosis (Bordetella bronchiseptica)

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium found in most if not all pig populations. Some strains cause a mild and non progressive rhinitis that heals spontaneously. The disease is clinically and economically of no consequence. However if toxigenic pasteurella are present in the herd then a combination of the two organisms can produce severe progressive rhinitis (PAR).

Bordetella bronchiseptica can also be a secondary opportunist invader in pneumonia.

Symptoms

Piglets & Growers

  • Coughing.
  • Sneezing.
  • Nasal discharge.

Sows & Weaners

  • N/A

Causes / Contributing factors

  • High levels of the bacteria may predominate in poor environments.
  • Recirculation of air in nurseries allows a build up of organisms.
  • Continual use of housing.

Diagnosis

This is based on cultural and laboratory examinations.

Treatment

  • None needed unless levels are high
  • In-feed medicate with trimethoprim sulpha or chlortetracycline
  • Inject weaners with oxytetracycline lang acting at weaning

 

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