Mycoplasma suis infection in suckling pigs on a Belgian farm

Abstract

Mycoplasma suis (formerly known as Eperythrozoon suis) is an epicellular bacterium that affects porcine red blood cells. M. suis infections occur worldwide and are associated with weakness and anemia in suckling and weaned pigs, and reproductive disorders in sows. The present field report describes the detection of M. suis in anemic piglets originating from a Belgian farrow-to-finish herd. The herd was experiencing increased piglet mortality (16%) in the farrowing unit and had a high percentage of repeat breeders (22%). A control program using antimicrobials and hygienic and sanitary measures significantly decreased the number of clinically anemic piglets and the mortality rate in the farrowing unit. However, it did not have any significant influence on the reproductive failure of the farm. The lack of a significant effect on reproductive failure was probably due to the circulation of porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) on the farm.