248 - U.S. Challenges with E. coli and Road Map for the Future

Abstract: In recent years U.S pork producers have been faced with what seems to be a never-ending uphill battle, with Enterotoxigenic E. coli which causes severe post weaning diarrhea and mortality. Numerous hypotheses ranging from pig genetics to changes in bacterial resistance have all been discussed as potential causes, but no clear answer has been provided to date. Over the past two years, many nutritional strategies (low crude protein, higher fiber diets, etc.) aimed at mitigating the deleterious effects of ETEC have been tried in both field and research nurseries with varying success. There is a concerted effort across the industry to better understand E. coli and possible mitigation and prevention strategies. However, to be successful we need to understand that controlling E. coli is a multidisciplinary issue that requires understanding how each piece of the puzzle impacts E. coli. Production practices, veterinarian protocols, stress events (weaning, transportation), temperature, and clear plans for a world post pharmacological levels of zinc and feed grade medications all contribute to the success of mitigating/eliminating ETEC. While the pig demands we find solutions quickly, the sustainability of healthy swine production and lower production cost require us to find the root source. This requires starting at the beginning of the process and piecing the puzzle together. We need research at all levels of production to understand key triggers – actions and reactions. What things are we doing in the farrowing crate today that impacts this? When pigs are placed in the nursery, what is the required temperature for newly weaned pigs? Are there possibly production practices that have benefits in one place and harsh impacts in another? These are examples of questions needing answered. To fix an issue of this magnitude, you must understand it simply – and we simply do not understand this issue well enough today.