A COMPARATIVE FIELD STUDY OF THE EFFICACY OF CEFQUINOME AND AMOXYCILLIN AGAINST ACUTE MENINGITIS OF WEANED PIGLETS
E. Thomas, G. Martin, B. Voss, A. Boettner, P. Pommier, W. Loehlein, and K. Hellman

Abstract
This study compared the efficacy of two antibiotics (cefquinome and amoxycillin) for the treatment of bacterial meningitis, primarily caused by Streptococcus suis, in weaned piglets. The study was performed in piglets from farms with a history of meningitis due to S. suis. Meningitis was diagnosed on clinical grounds, and affected piglets randomly treated once daily intramuscularly with cefquinome (Cobactan?, 2mg/kg) or amoxycillin (Clamoxyl?, 7.5mg/kg). Response to treatment was evaluated clinically, and deaths were investigated by necropsy and bacteriological examination. A total of 110 weaned piglets with clinical signs of meningitis were treated, 55 with cefquinome, and 55 with amoxycillin. Cure rates at the end of the study (Study day 21) were 67% in the cefquinome group, and 58% in the amoxycillin group, and clinical scores reduced significantly more rapidly in the cefquinome-treated group.
???? Mortality rates were 24% in the cefquinome treated group and 33% in the amoxycillin group. Piglets with abnormal demeanour, paralysis, paddling, or four or more abnormal values of the six clinical signs measured were less likely to survive or be cured. A variety of bacteria were isolated from the central nervous systems of the piglets at necropsy, including S. suis. Cefquinome once daily for three to five days is an effective treatment for bacterial meningitis in piglets.

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