Commentary
This article, while pig-focused, provides perspectives that may apply across species. Our industry often talks about immunosuppression which is a logical outcome when an animal is fighting more than one pathogen. For reference, one might remember the coinfection challenges with concurrent flu and Covid infections during the pandemic.
The extra stress pigs face when hit with more than one pathogen at a time is undeniable. Jennifer Shike shares a discussion with J.D. Fiechtner, DVM, about two studies that looked at the effect of PRRS plus another pathogen on pig health. The aspect of pig health as a dynamic system is no surprise, although having studies confirm what producers have long suspected and observed is important to management decisions.
Source: PORK, September 5, 2025. Link.
We usually don’t think about a common tie between those two organ systems; enteric and respiratory. But in this study, we proved that even with a subclinical infection there was increased mortality and decreased average daily gain . . . worse than what was expected.” – J.D. Fiechtner, DVM
Image: Link.