Gastrointestinal infection caused by pathogenic bacteria and viruses are an important cause of diarrhoea and ill-thrift in human and animal neonates (Guerrant et al., 1986, Radostits et al., 1994). Escherichia coli (E.coli) and Rotavirus are both important causes of neonatal diarrhoea, in addition E.coli is an important factor in the post-weaning diarrhoea syndrome seen in early weaned piglets (Radostits et al., 1994). Neonates reared on maternal milk are protected by antibodies (IgA in humans and pigs, IgG in ruminants) which act passively in the gut against organisms which cause gastrointestinal disease. This study investigated the protective effect of egg antibodies (Lohmann Animal Health) against E.coli and Rotavirus challenge in neonatal piglets. The eggs were sourced from hens vaccinated against E.coli and Rotavirus.
Viral and bacterial investigations on the aetiology of recurrent pig neonatal diarrhoea cases in Spain
