The antibacterial activity of chitosan-alginate-Fe(II) complex (CAFC) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and an opportunistic pathogen, Candida albicans, was investigated. A concentration of 1 mg/1 was needed to inhibit the growth of S. aureus and E. coli, while 100 mg/liter was sufficient for the growth inhibition of Candida albicans. The ion leakage of potassium and phosphate from E. coli cell and the penetration of ethidium bromide dye into it indicate that CAFC might be able to increase the cell permeability and consequently cellular leakage, thus leading to cell plasmolysis. Scanning electronmicroscope showed that E. coli cells treated with CAFC became irregular, swelling and expanded. In a field trial, control piglets showed average mortality of up to 60% within 3 days after the onset of diarrhea. In contrast, CAFC-treated groups without mortality was decreased to average 56% on the 1 st day after the treatment, and average 7% on the 3rd day. After then, piglets with diarrhea was not found.