[Streptococci or slurry pit ventilation?].

Abstract

This article describes a case of disturbed behaviour in weaners resulting in mutilation. The mutilations mainly consisted of ear biting and ear necrosis. During some periods all weaners were affected. Deaths occurred as a result of sepsis and meningitis, caused by Streptococcus suis type 1. There were many runts. The stable was as follows: the sections contained 160 weaners; the floor consisted of plastic slats with a 1-metre-deep slurry pit. The weaners were medicated extensively for the Streptococci, to little effect. A ventilation expert was called in and the diagnosis was 'variable air distribution patterns resulting in slurry pit ventilation'. To solve the problem a number of modifications were made to the ventilation system. The solution was found in attaching flaps under the floor, hanging down into the slurry at every pen partition and in the middle across the entire length of each section. In this manner all air circulation in the slurry pit was effectively ended. Thus in conclusion, mutilative behaviour, eg. ear biting and ear necrosis, can be caused by draught. Medication can provide temporary relief, but does not solve the problem. Only ending the air circulation in the slurry pit provided a lasting solution.