Oedema disease: a review of the disease and control and preventative measures

Abstract

Oedema disease is caused by a toxin produced by Shiga toxin-encoding Escherichia coli. The susceptibility of pigs to oedema disease is often increased shortly after weaning due to stress and an increase of presence of specific receptors, susceptible for F18, needed for the colonisation of the small intestine and also due to change of feed, mainly from sow milk-based carbohydrates (milk sugar) to starch from grains, which are not so easily digested. The correct diagnosis of oedema disease is important in order to determine the control or preventative measures that can be implemented on farm. Vaccination has been shown to be the most successful method for preventing clinical oedema disease and a reduction in mortality. Vaccination can also have a positive effect on the reduction of antibiotic usage and ZnO on a farm, which is extremely important in ensuring livestock industries are meeting reduction targets. By ensuring effective hygiene and biosecurity measures are in place alongside vaccination, the negative impacts of oedema disease on production can be minimised.