Why is this research important for Alberta ag?
Swine dysentery (SD), caused by infection, is a disease that causes bloody diarrhea and weight loss with high mortality in grower-finisher pigs. SD is highly prevalent in Canada and antibiotic treatments are discourages, due to increasing acquired antimicrobial resistance.
This research will look at enhancing natural pig immunity as a non-antibiotic approach to control infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.
What benefits can producers expect from this research?
Aside from antibiotics, the only alternative for controlling SD is complete culling and decontamination of infected farms. Therefore, the benefits of developing a non-antibiotic approach treatment will be incredibly beneficial for the pork industry.
Funded in part by the Government of Canada under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.