FUELING THE BODY
A simplistic way to look at the digestive system is like a truck’s fuel system and exhaust since the pig’s gut is the largest portion of its immune system1 as well as turning input into “fuel” for their body. And maintaining the gut, especially in newly weaned nursery piglets, is vital for your swine herd’s success.
Outbreaks of enteric disease in pigs are often based on more than one factor, and multiple pathogens can coexist and do harm at the same time. Some may reside in the pig’s gut without triggering symptoms that would draw attention to their presence, especially since the majority of causes of enteric disease are tied up with the normal microbiota of its digestive system. These microorganisms include beneficial bacteria, fungus, and virus species that “cross-talk” within their own immune system families as well as systems in other parts of the pig’s body, sparking physiological responses that strengthen the immune system’s white blood cells to attack pathogens.
We need to control disease, then, without highly disrupting normal functions by eradicating the beneficial microbiota. The weaning stage, especially, leaves pigs more vulnerable to enteric disease because the change in diet creates profound changes in the gastrointestinal tract, where disruption can possibly be linked to diarrhea and other conditions.
EXAMINING THE CONNECTIONS
Another consideration is the relationship between a young pig’s enteric and respiratory systems. Science is still trying to understand what it terms the “gut-lung axis,” but has already discovered that diseases clinically apparent in one body system can originate from a different system. One example is that the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus could have entered the animal through its G.I. tract; this can also be true in reverse, for gut infections originating in the pig’s lungs.
It is important to carefully analyze all signs when a pig appears to be ill, so we are not narrowing treatment focus only on an enteric disease when there may also be a respiratory co-infection present.
The labels contain complete use information, including cautions and warnings. Always read, understand and follow the label and use directions.
BAYTRIL® IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Federal (U.S.A.) law prohibits the extra-label use of this drug in food-producing animals.
To assure responsible antimicrobial drug use, enrofloxacin should only be used as a second-line drug for colibacillosis in swine following consideration of other therapeutic options.
- Not for use in humans. Keep out of reach of children.
- Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, immediately flush eyes with copious amounts of water for 15 minutes.
- In case of dermal contact, wash skin with soap and water. Consult a physician if irritation persists following ocular or dermal exposures.
- Individuals with a history of hypersensitivity to quinolones should avoid this product. In humans, there is a risk of user photosensitization within a few hours after excessive exposure toquinolones. If excessive accidental exposure occurs, avoid direct sunlight.
TYLAN® INJECTION IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
WARNING: NOT FOR HUMAN USE. KEEP OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.
- Adverse reactions, including shock and death may result from overdosage in baby pigs. Do not attempt injection into pigs weighing less than 25 pounds (0.5 mL) with the common syringe.
- It is recommended that Tylan 50 Injection be used in pigs weighing less than 25 pounds.
- Do not administer to horses or other equines. Injection of tylosin in equines has been fatal.
- Swine intended for human consumption must not be slaughtered within 14 days of the last use of this drug product.
- If tylosin medicated drinking water is used as a follow-up treatment for swine dysentery, the animal should thereafter receive feed containing 40 to 100 grams of tylosin per ton for 2 weeks to assure depletion of tissue residues
TYLAN® SOLUBLE IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:
CAUTION: Federal (USA) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.
- Not for human use. Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with skin. Exposure to tylosin may cause a rash.
- Swine must not be slaughtered for food within 48 hours after treatment.