tackle swine disease—moving beyond antibiotics toward naturally enhanced immunity.
Dr. Matheus Costa, Associate Professor at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine, and his research team have identified a powerful naturally occurring molecule that could change the game. This molecule not only kills bacteria—it also strengthens a pig’s immune response, helping it fight off multiple pathogens, including viruses and potentially even fungi.
The discovery emerged during trials focused on swine dysentery, a costly and persistent disease in global pig production.
“What caught our attention was that, no matter how aggressively we tried to induce disease, a portion of pigs never got sick,” said Dr. Costa.
All pigs in the study shared the same genetics, environment, and feed—but some remained resilient. Upon deeper investigation, the researchers found that these pigs carried higher levels of a specific peptide or protein—a naturally occurring molecule that appeared to be doing double duty: fighting off harmful bacteria and modulating the immune response.
“We believe this molecule is part of the reason some pigs are more resistant to disease,” Costa explained. “It doesn’t just kill pathogens—it helps the animal manage infection without showing severe clinical signs.”
Unlike antibiotics, this molecule works across a broader spectrum—impacting bacteria, viruses, and potentially fungal infections—without contributing to antimicrobial resistance.
As the industry continues to seek sustainable, effective solutions for herd health, discoveries like this could become cornerstones of future strategies. The potential for targeted breeding, immunity-boosting supplements, or therapeutic applications is significant.
Swine Web will continue tracking this research as it evolves toward practical implementation on farms.
