Ileitis

General

A disease caused by Lawsonia intracellularis, Ileitis (Porcine Proliferative Haemorrhagic Enteropathy) affects young breeding stock or grower and finisher pigs.

Subclinical disease is widespread throughout the industry. This disease appears to be more apparent in high health herds, probably a reflection of the lower levels of medication used on these herds. The disease is also common in recently introduced gilts. Stress such as movements can predispose pigs to this disease.

Pathogenisis and Clinical Signs

The common clinical signs observed with this disease include slightly reduced feed intake and growth rate, intermittent diarrhoea progressing to significant weight loss. In older animals haemorrhagic diarrhoea may develop with acute deaths.

Diagnosis

Ileitis is indicated by sudden deaths in finishers or gilts selected for breeding, poor growth rates and scouring in grower/finisher pigs. Regular slaughter checks help troubleshoot for problems associated with Ileitis. A mild thickening of the wall at the end of the small intestine to marked thickening with folding of the inside lining of the wall and even bleeding into the intestine are signs to look for at post-mortem. You need to rule out swine dysentery and Salmonella as other possible causes.

Treatment

Sick pigs should be treated individually with tylosin or penicillin but don't use procaine penicillin on pregnant sows or gilts. In feed medication should be used for larger groups. Use high levels for 10- 14 days then reduce to maintain control.

Prevention and Control

Prevention of clinical signs of ileitis can best controlled with Tylosin, administered either in the feed or water, usually as a pulse medication program. This program will be specific to the farm, based potential risk and administration systems available. Alternatively, other products such a chlortetracycline, olaquindox and salinomycin have been reported as being successful.

Vaccines are also now available, administered as a single day dose in the water or via a drench. These can be obtained from a veterinraian by prescription.