Better Pork - June 2016

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38 Better Pork June 2016
In this article, I will address some
of the major bacterial causes of
reproductive failure in swine. Many
of these bacteria are also zoonotic in
nature, and producers always need to be
aware that they and their families could
contract the disease if their animals are
infected.
Leptospirosis (Leptospira spp.)
Leptospirosis is a contagious disease of
swine and many other animals, includ-
ing humans. It is caused by infection
with any of the large group of Leptospira
spp. bacteria. Infection may result in
fever, jaundice and death in piglets, and
stillbirths and abortion in sows. Of the
many serotypes of Leptospira spp. circu-
lating worldwide, L. pomona, L. canico-
la, L. icterohaemorrhagiae and members
of the L. australis serogroup are the ones
that contribute to reproductive failure.
We have to be constantly vigilant.
Infection is more common in pigs
kept outdoors when they share water
access with rodents, beavers and wild-
life. The incidence of Leptospira spp.
abortion has diminished considerably;
HERDHEALTH
Reproductive failure caused by bacteria
In the first of two articles, the author reviews the major bacterial causes of reproductive failure
in swine. In a subsequent article, he will discuss non-infectious causes of abortions and other
forms of reproductive failure
by ERNEST SANFORD
Leptospirosis is a contagious
disease of swine and many
other animals, including
humans.