Post-weaning E. coli diarrhea on ontario swine farms and its relationship with the gut microbiome and pig genetics

Lead Applicant: Abdolvahab Farzan

Research Priority: Animal Health & Welfare Projects

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2022/2023

Research Centre: NA

Research Summary: E. coli associated post-weaning diarrhea (PWD) in pigs results in economic losses, reduced animal welfare and increased antimicrobial use. There are key virulence factors in the E. coli strains associated with PWD on Ontario farms: the fimbriae surface proteins and the enterotoxins affecting the intestines. These factors have not been studied recently. The objectives of this research are to (i) investigate the E. coli fimbriae/enterotoxin types and host-genetic markers in Ontario nursery pigs with PWD and (ii) compare their gut microbiome to healthy pigs, which will help implement effective vaccinations strategies.