TGE can become endemic in herds in a mild form with high morbidity but low mortality. This disease in the weaning and the growing pig is clinically indistinguishable from porcine epidemic diarrhoea. In small grower-finisher units the virus is likely to disappear from the population. In large finishing units in which susceptible pigs are being brought in frequently, the virus is maintained indefinitely in the population by repeated infection of the newcomers. Disease disappears spontaneously over a 3 to 5 week period.
Mortality is usually low.
The main effect on the individual growing pig is dehydration which is resolved in about a week. Nevertheless the disease may increase the slaughter age by 5-10 days. In the sucking piglet the disease is very severe. Acute watery diarrhoea. There is no response to antibiotic therapy.