Increases in cases of post-weaning diarrhea caused by E. coli from 2019 through 2023 prompted researchers to better understand strain variances and study genetic susceptibility of specific breeds to F18 E. coli. Comingled susceptible and resistant pigs were acclimated, then challenged and monitored for variability and disease.
Researchers shared the following study summary:
- Both resistant and susceptible pigs had no difference in shedding coli; this could be the result of continued environmental exposure.
- Pigs with resistant genotypes to F18 colishowed no signs of E. coli-related illness.
- Pigs with susceptible genotype displayed clinical disease, mortality, and histological lesions of post-weaning colibacillosis.
- Genetic resistance to F18 coliholds in the face of contemporary isolates with higher virulence.
Source: National Hog Farmer, October 1, 2024. Link.
INSIGHTS: The ongoing study of genetic susceptibility of specific breeds of various species is fascinating and important, especially with the efforts to reduce antimicrobial use. One doesn’t have to deal with swine to understand the potential and scope of selecting for disease-resistant animals, especially those in our food chain.