PREVENTION OF INTESTINAL INFECTIONS OF BACTERIAL ETIOLOGY IN PIGS

Abstract

Intestinal infections of bacterial etiology are among the most common diseases in pigs of different age groups. Healthy gastrointestinal tract is the basis for successful pig farming. Therefore, the prevention and control of major gastrointestinal infections is a key to farm profitability. Intestinal infections are caused by both pathogenic and opportunistic pathogenic bacteria. The most common diseases caused by pathogenic microorganisms include dysentery, ileitis and salmonellosis. Their causative agents are the bacteria Brachyspira spp., Lawsonia spp. and Salmonella spp. respectively. The most common opportunistic pathogenic bacteria are: Escherichia coli, Clostridium spp. and Proteus spp. Bacterial intestinal infections are diverse and widespread, and therefore cause significant economic losses for livestock farms. They suffer significant losses due to animal mortality, reduced productivity and, as a result, increased treatment costs. Therefore, the efforts of scientists should be aimed at creating innovative approaches and effective therapeutic agents that would not only treat but also prevent bacterial intestinal infections. The article presents data on traditional and innovative approaches to the prevention of bacterial intestinal infections in pigs. The advantages of using feed additives for the prevention and treatment of bacterial intestinal infections in pigs are described.