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In intensive pig farming in Vietnam, PMWS is a major cause of post-weaning profit loss. Strongly associated with PCV2-induced immunosuppression, this syndrome renders herds susceptible to outbreaks of secondary bacterial infections in the respiratory and digestive tracts, resulting in reduced feed intake, stunted growth, increased mortality, and prolonged rearing periods.
While vaccination, biosecurity, and herd management remain fundamental, many farms still encounter the disease due to high environmental pathogen pressure, vertical transmission from the sow herd, weaning stress, or co-infections. Therefore, early detection and appropriate intervention within the first 48 hours are critical factors in safeguarding the farm's assets and economic viability.
GOLDEN HOURS: 48-HOUR START
When 2–3 of the following signs appear simultaneously in a pen, the producer must immediately assess the risk of secondary infection:
→ sudden growth stunting in weaned pigs
→ rough hair coat, dry/scaly skin
→ huddling, distended abdomen
→ prolonged diarrhea
→ rapid drop in feed intake
→ emaciation, increased mortality
This is a period of significantly compromised immunity, during which opportunistic bacteria often proliferate rapidly. Failure to address the issue promptly can lead to massive losses and soaring rearing costs.
PRACTICAL SOLUTIONS TO CURB EARLY LOSSES
Depending on the specific signs of secondary infection, farmers can consider appropriate solutions based on label instructions and technical advice.
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1) Control of secondary respiratory and digestive infections
When the herd exhibits coughing, abdominal breathing, mild fever, diarrhea, or a gradually increasing rate of sporadic deaths, the following options may be considered:
- Lincomycin + Spectinomycin: helps control secondary respiratory bacterial infections
- Ceftiofur: suitable when deep-seated bacterial infection is suspected or losses are increasing
- Lincomycin + Colistin: useful when digestive disorders accompany respiratory symptoms
The goal is to break the vicious cycle of immunosuppression → secondary infection → reduced weight gain → increased losses.
Note: Antibacterial solutions only assist in controlling secondary bacterial infections; they do not replace vaccination, biosecurity measures, or the diagnosis of root causes such as PCV2 or PRRS.
2) Recovery – restoring the herd and feed intake
Once secondary infections are effectively controlled, it is necessary to quickly transition to the recovery phase:
- Vitamin B12 + liver support agents (hepatoprotectants such as sorbitol, methionine, choline, etc.): support liver function and reduce metabolic stress
- Vitamins A, D3, E, B-complex, and C: support herd recovery and improve feed intake
- Electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Cl⁻) + Glucose: replenish electrolytes and stabilize the animals following fever and dehydration
This is a critical stage for profitability; the sooner the herd resumes eating, the lower the feed and rearing costs will be.
ECONOMIC PERSPECTIVE: PROTECTING FARM ASSETS
For a pen of 1,000 weaned pigs, even a slight increase in mortality and a 5–7 day delay in resuming feed intake result in losses—spanning livestock value, feed, supportive medication, extended rearing time, and reduced uniformity at market—that far outweigh the cost of early intervention.
Therefore, taking appropriate action at the very first sign of trouble is the most effective way to protect farm assets and safeguard end-of-cycle profits.
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