Garlic reduces effect of Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection in pigs

Lung diseases in pigs are among the most important health problem in pig husbandry, and generally treated with antimicrobials. To reduce the amount of antimicrobials used in pigs, we tested the preventive effects of freeze dried garlic added to feed on an infection with Actinobacilluspleuropneumoniae (APP). Thirty male pigs of about seven weeks of age were aerosol challenged with APP serotype 2. Fifteen pigs received 5% (w/w) garlic added to their diet (Garlic group), from two days prior to infection until four days after infection. The others received the a standard diet (Control group). There was no difference in the number of pigs with symptoms of lung diseases. 48 hours after infection, the number of white blood cells had significantly increased in the Control group but not in the Garlic group. In the Control group a positive correlation (p