An alert to farmers and vets to be vigilant concerning possible outbreaks of septicaemia in piglets due Klebsiella pneumonia (Kpp) is contained in the latest pig disease surveillance report from the Animal & Plant Health Agency (APHA).
The report draws attention to both the timing and location of past cases, pointing out that all but one of the diagnosed outbreaks seen in recent years has occurred in East Anglian herds between May and September each year.
According to APHA, the most common features of outbreaks are:
- Sudden or very rapid deaths
- Pre-weaned pigs affected from 10-days-old to point of weaning
- Non-specific lesions (septicaemic) at post-mortem examination
- Outdoor pig units
- Mortality variable 1- 6 % of pigs born (one herd 16%)
- Appears self-limiting but has recurred in two herds in subsequent years
“The same emerging strain of Kpp (sequence type 25) has been involved in all outbreaks to date,” said APHA.
“Veterinary surgeons wishing to submit or discuss diagnosis of possible cases which may arise during the coming months, should contact an APHA Veterinary Investigation Officer.”
See APHA guidance on Klebsiella septicaemia
