Pathogenic Bacteria and Antibiotic Use in Swine Production

Dear Colleagues,

The use of antibiotics in pig production is a worldwide issue of interest for the pig industry. Due to the recent ongoing alterations, the abandonment of previously widely used zinc oxide, and the globalization of intensive swine production, the use of antibiotics in swine production is transforming from past beliefs and previous practices to novel findings and practices. Pathogenic bacteria in swine are almost always present in intensive pig production units, whereas they are quite often presented as multibacterial infections inducing disease complexes on farms. In recent decades, research results have proved that the use of antibiotics in swine production has improved the health and performance of pigs, and assisted the increase in welfare-friendly production as well as the profitability of the pig industry. However, cases of improper usage have also largely been discussed in terms of affecting antibiotic resistance phenomena and negatively affecting environmental aspects.

Through this Special Issue, we wish to promote original research articles of in vivo and in vitro studies, as well as reviews, on novel findings on both the pathogenic bacteria as primary or secondary infectious parameters and the use of antibiotics in swine production. Focus will be set on novel diagnostic techniques for the accurate diagnosis of bacterial infections, the prudent use of antibiotics, as well as the use of vaccines against bacterial diseases in swine, and novel antibiotic alternative substances, with an emphasis on the improvement of the health of pigs, the sustainability of production, and environmental outcome.

Dr. Panagiotis Tassis
Dr. Eleni Tzika
Guest Editors

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• pig
• swine health
• antibiotics
• swine diseases
• vaccines
• treatment
• metaphylaxis
• antimicrobial resistance
• safety
• one health
• environment
• antibiotic alternatives
• efficacy