A case of generalized exudative epidermitis in suckling piglets remembering some basics

In a 9 sows farrow-to-finish pig farm, a case of exudative epidermitis was detected in two 10-day-old fostered piglets. One piglet (P1), affected by severe and generalized skin lesions was weak and had a low rectal temperature (37.2°C). It was euthanized
after blood sampling. The second piglet (P2) was in the acute phase of the disease, with mild skin lesions but a high rectal temperature (40.8°C). He received meloxicam and amoxycillin intramuscularly as well as a skin ointment based on honey and essential oils and recovered within a week. Before treatment, blood sampling was collected from the affected piglet and from the two other not affected fostered piglets of the same
litter, in a way to compare their IgG serum concentration: it was respectively 0,8-0,9 and 10,1-10,4 g/L in affected and normal piglets. Swabbing for bacteriological confirmation was performed on the skin under the most severe crusts, on the stimulated precrural lymph node of P1 and in the blood of both affected piglets. An aerobic microbial culture confirmed the presence of Staphylococcus hyicus and Staphylococcus aureus under crusts (+++) and in the lymph node (+++) of P1. Staphylococcus hyicus (+) was also detected in the blood of P1. The strain isolated was sensible to all 15 tested antibacterials but tetracyclines. Among the 8 resident piglets of the litter, lesions developed on the skin of the ear wearing the ear tag and/or around the castration wound of three piglets. The sow developed mild lesions on the skin of the udder. The 3 piglets were given skin ointment and recovered after a few days; the sow recovered without treatment.
This case remembers us that generalized exudative epidermitis in suckling piglets is a septicaemic condition characterized by severe skin lesions associated to Staphylococcus hyicus. Two main contributing factors - the lack of colostrum protection and skin abrasion
or trauma (fighting for milk, castration wounds, lesions close to the ear tag) – have probably played an important role in this case. To treat severely affected piglets, parenteral associated to local treatment should be given during the acute phase.