Farm Animals

Pig Neonatal Diarrhoea Welfare

Neonatal diarrhoea in piglets is a leading cause of pre-weaning mortality causing dehydration, weakness, and death in the first week of life, with prevention centred on colostrum and hygiene.

Key Facts

E. coli K88 is the most common cause of neonatal diarrhoea in piglets under 4 days of age
Clostridium perfringens type C causes haemorrhagic enteritis with very high mortality
Colostral antibodies provide critical early protection if intake is adequate
Oral rehydration therapy and antibiotics reduce mortality in affected litters
Farrowing unit hygiene and all-in all-out management reduce environmental pathogen load

Welfare Considerations

Neonatal diarrhoea causes severe dehydration and death. Prevention through vaccination, colostrum management, and hygiene is far more effective than treating established disease.

What You Can Do

Vaccinate sows against neonatal diarrhoea pathogens before farrowing
Ensure all piglets receive adequate colostrum in the first 6 hours
Implement all-in all-out management in farrowing units to reduce contamination
Treat affected litters immediately with oral rehydration and appropriate antibiotics