Pig Neonatal Diarrhea Welfare | Animal Welfare Hub

Neonatal diarrhea is a leading cause of piglet mortality in the first week of life. Prevention through good husbandry and biosecurity dramatically reduces suffering and losses.

Key Facts

Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) is the most common cause of neonatal diarrhea in piglets under 7 days old
Mortality from neonatal diarrhea can reach 50% in affected litters without intervention
Adequate colostrum intake in the first 12 hours of life is the single most important preventive factor
Environmental temperature management — piglets need supplemental heat (32-35°C) — reduces susceptibility
Sow vaccination before farrowing can significantly reduce E. coli diarrhea in piglets

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal diarrhea causes acute suffering in affected piglets: dehydration, weakness, hypothermia, and death within hours of onset. The welfare impact is compounded by the fact that entire litters are often affected simultaneously, overwhelming the ability of stockpeople to provide individual care. Prevention is far more effective than treatment — and the key preventive measures (colostrum management, nest temperature, sow vaccination, farrowing area hygiene) are well-established and achievable. Farms with good neonatal diarrhea prevention programs have dramatically better welfare outcomes than those relying on reactive antibiotic treatment.

What You Can Do

Ensure each piglet receives adequate colostrum in the first 12 hours — assist weaker piglets to a teat
Maintain farrowing pen temperature with supplemental heat lamps or mats at 32-35°C for piglets
Vaccinate sows against E. coli before farrowing as part of a vet-guided herd health program
Practice strict farrowing area hygiene — thorough disinfection between batches
Have oral rehydration solution on hand to treat affected piglets promptly