Premium
Treatment of clinical Brachyspira hyodysenteriae with zinc chelate in pigs: a blinded, randomised controlled trial
Author(s) -
Lammers Gerwen,
Berkel Robbert,
Roijackers Daisy,
Vulders Carly,
BrouwerMiddelesch Henriëtte,
Hout Jobke
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
veterinary record
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.261
H-Index - 99
eISSN - 2042-7670
pISSN - 0042-4900
DOI - 10.1136/vr.105523
Subject(s) - feces , placebo , medicine , antibiotics , urine , gastroenterology , veterinary medicine , biology , microbiology and biotechnology , pathology , alternative medicine
Background Brachyspira hyodysenteriae infection in pigs (‘swine dysentery’) leads to decreased feed conversion, growth losses and mortality. Current countermeasures have the downside of antibiotic resistance (antibiotics) and ecotoxicity (zinc oxide). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a novel zinc chelate (Intra Dysovinol (ID)) on clinical signs of swine dysentery and shedding of B hyodysenteriae under field conditions. Methods In a randomised, double‐blinded, controlled trial under Good Clinical Practice on two commercial farms, 58 B hyodysenteriae positive pigs from 16 pens received drinking water containing ID, or placebo, during six consecutive days. Faecal quality (consistency, colour, additions) was scored and faeces were analysed for presence of B hyodysenteriae by PCR. ID treatment positively affected faecal quality (consistency) and daily growth rates. Results At the last treatment day, B hyodysenteriae was not detectable in the faeces of any of the ID‐treated animals, while all placebo animals remained B hyodysenteriae positive by PCR. All ID‐treated animals recovered, while 5 placebo‐treated animals died and 12 placebo pigs required additional treatment before the end of the study (up to 14 days after treatment start). Conclusion This non‐antibiotic treatment stopped the clinical signs and shedding of B hyodysenteriae in naturally infected pigs.