• Ensure that piglets get colostrum within the first few hours of life.

• Pathogenic strains of E. coli are the most common cause of scours in sucking and weaned pigs.

• Pathogenic and non-pathogenic strains of the bacteria are part of the piggery environment.

• When conditions are suitable for the pathogenic strains to predominate, outbreaks of disease occur.

• Aim at a standard of hygiene that will reduce the challenge to pigs by pathogenic strains of bacteria. 

• Discourage certain strains of bacteria from multiplying in the gut.

• Keep the environment warm and dry. Aim at prevention rather than cure.

Water and electrolytes are essential for the pig’s body to operate in a state of physiological balance. Insufficient quantities prevent the normal functioning of body processes.

Very young pigs are easily exhausted and they may die. In chronic cases some animals may be so distressed they do not eat.