Enzootic Pneumonia (EP) - (Mycoplasma Infection)

(364) This is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. The disease is not normally a problem in the sucking pig, because in herds in which it is endemic immunity from the sow via the colostrum protects it. If however a herd has been free of the organism and becomes infected for the first time, severe disease may be seen in sucking pigs until the sows have had sufficient time to develop immunity. In such cases it may be necessary to inject the piglets for a period of 6 to 8 weeks with antibiotics that are active against mycoplasma, such as oxytetracycline, tiamulin, lincomycin or tylosin. Depending on the severity of the disease these injections would be given on day 3, 10 and 21 and if necessary at weaning - if this is later than 21 days.