DavidPigs are prone to a wide variety of diseases, some of which can be fatal if left untreated. The most common diseases among pigs include swine influenza, E. Coli Infections, Porcine Parvovirus, salmonellosis, PRRS virus, foot, and mouth disease, Aujeszky’s disease, and several others.
Knowing these common diseases in pigs will help you identify them and treat the diseases immediately. This article contains 10 common diseases in pigs and including vital information on how to manage and treat the diseases.
10 Common Diseases In Pigs And Treatment
Pigs are susceptible to a variety of diseases, many of which can be fatal. The 10 most common diseases in pigs are highlighted and discussed below.
#1. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)
Category: Viral Disease
Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a viral disease that affects pigs and is caused by a virus of the same name. It was first identified in the mid-1980s and is now one of the most economically important diseases in pig production globally.
Causes
PRRS is caused by the PRRS virus, which can be transmitted directly from pig to pig or indirectly through the environment, such as contaminated feed, bedding, and water, or by aerosol transmission.
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Symptoms
Symptoms of PRRS include high fever, decreased appetite, labored breathing, coughing, and discharge from the eyes and nose. Pigs may also show signs of depression, lethargy, and infertility. In severe cases, animals may die.
Treatment
There is no cure for PRRS, but supportive care such as providing extra fluids and antibiotics may be used to help manage the symptoms.
Herbal treatments may be used to help manage the symptoms of PRRS. Herbal remedies such as ginseng, garlic, and ginger may be used to reduce fever, control coughing, and boost the immune system.
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Prevention
The best way to prevent PRRS is through proper biosecurity measures. This includes limiting contact between healthy and infected pigs, practicing good sanitation, and controlling vectors such as flies and rodents. Vaccines are also available for PRRS, but are not 100% effective.
Control
PRRS can be controlled by implementing proper biosecurity measures, vaccinating pigs, and using inactivated vaccines to help reduce the spread of the virus. In addition, proper management practices, such as good nutrition and hygiene, are important for reducing the spread of the disease.
#2. Porcine Parvovirus
Category: Viral Disease
Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a highly contagious virus that affects pigs of all ages. It is spread through the fecal-oral route, with the virus being shed in the feces of infected pigs and spread between animals through contact with contaminated surfaces.
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Causes
Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a highly contagious and destructive virus that affects pigs of all ages. It is spread by direct contact with infected pigs and their secretions, and by contaminated facilities, equipment and people.
Symptoms
Infected pigs may show signs of depression, fever, anorexia, and vomiting. They may also have difficulty breathing and suffer from diarrhea. In severe cases, they may experience profuse bleeding from the mouth and nose and death.
Treatment
Treatment of PPV is mainly supportive and symptomatic. Fluids and electrolytes should be administered to rehydrate the pig and antibiotics may be given to prevent secondary bacterial infections.
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There is some evidence that herbs, such as ginger root and echinacea, may be beneficial in treating PPV. Additionally, probiotics and prebiotics may help to support the pig’s immune system.
Prevention
Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent PPV. Pigs should also be kept in clean, well-ventilated facilities, and people working with them should practice good hygiene.
Control
Controlling PPV is best achieved through surveillance, disinfection of premises and equipment, and culling of infected pigs. Additionally, pigs should be isolated from other animals, and regular health checks should be performed.
#3. Aujeszky’s Disease (Pseudorabies)
Category: Viral Disease
Aujeszky’s Disease, also known as Pseudorabies, is a contagious viral infection caused by the suid herpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1). It is an economically important disease of pigs, sheep, and wild boars, and can cause severe losses in commercial pig farms.
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Causes
Aujeszky’s Disease, also known as pseudorabies, is a viral infection caused by the Suidherpesvirus 1 (SuHV-1). This virus is highly contagious and is spread through direct contact with infected animals, contact with contaminated objects, and through the ingestion of contaminated feed and water.
Symptoms
The symptoms of the disease can vary in severity, but some of the most common indicators that an animal is infected include fever, listlessness, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, including neurological signs such as tremors, ataxia, and paralysis.
Treatment
The treatment of Aujeszky’s Disease is focused on supportive care as there is no known cure for the virus. This includes providing the infected animal with fluids, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medications.
There are several herbal remedies that have been used to treat Aujeszky’s Disease. These include garlic, ginger, turmeric, and astragalus, which can be administered either orally or topically.
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Prevention
The best way to prevent Aujeszky’s Disease is to practice good biosecurity practices. This includes quarantining any new animals before introducing them to the herd, regularly disinfecting facilities, and avoiding contact with wild animals.
Control
In order to control Aujeszky’s Disease, it is important to vaccinate animals against the virus. Vaccines are available for pigs, and it is essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for administering the vaccine. Additionally, early detection and isolation of infected animals is essential in order to prevent the spread of the disease.
#4. Swine Influenza
Category: Flu Disease
Swine Influenza is a contagious viral disease of pigs caused by type A Influenza viruses that normally only infect pigs.
Causes
Swine Influenza is caused by type A Influenza viruses that are normally only found in pigs.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Swine Influenza in pigs include respiratory distress, fever, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, decreased appetite, and vomiting.
Treatment
Treatment of Swine Influenza in pigs typically involves supportive care, such as rest, fluids, and nutrition. Antiviral medications may be used to reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms.
Some herbal treatments that may be used to treat Swine Influenza in pigs include echinacea, garlic, ginger, and elderberry.
Prevention
Prevention of Swine Influenza in pigs may include vaccination, biosecurity measures, and limiting contact with other pigs.
Control
Control of Swine Influenza in pigs may include isolation of infected pigs, disinfection of premises, and disposal of infected pigs.
#5. E. coli Infections
Category: Bacterial Disease
- coli is a type of bacteria that commonly infects pigs and can cause a range of symptoms depending on the strain.
Common symptoms include diarrhea, dehydration, and loss of appetite. In addition, E. coli can cause more serious illnesses such as septicemia and meningitis.
Pigs can become infected through contaminated feed, water, or contact with other infected pigs.
Cause
- coli infections in pigs are caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli, which is found in the intestinal tract of most animals, including pigs. Pigs can become infected with E. coli through contact with infected feces, contaminated feed or water, or contact with other infected animals.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of E. coli infections in pigs include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. In more severe cases, pigs may also experience fever, dehydration, and even death.
Treatment
Treatment for E. coli infections in pigs can include antibiotics and supportive care, such as intravenous fluids to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Some herbal treatments for E. coli infections in pigs include garlic, ginger, turmeric, and oregano oil.
Prevention
To prevent E. coli infections in pigs, it is important to ensure that pigs have access to clean, fresh water and feed and that their living area is kept clean. Additionally, pigs should be isolated from other infected animals and their manure should be disposed of properly.
Control
Control of E. coli infections in pigs can be achieved by administering antibiotics, disinfecting infected areas, and isolating infected animals.
Vaccines are also available for E. coli infections in pigs, but they are not always effective.
Good husbandry and biosecurity practices should be implemented to reduce the risk of E. coli infections in pigs.
#6. Mycoplasma Hyopneumoniae
Category: Bacterial Disease
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is a bacterial infection of the respiratory system in pigs. It is also known as enzootic pneumonia, swine asthma, and enzootic bronchopneumonia.
Causes
Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is spread mainly through direct contact with infected pigs, but it can also spread through aerosols, contaminated feed and water, and fomites.
Symptoms
Signs of infection include coughing, sneezing, decreased feed intake, weight loss, and increased mortality.
Treatment
Treatment of M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs can include antimicrobial drugs, such as tetracyclines and macrolides, or vaccines.
Herbal treatments, such as echinacea, garlic, and goldenseal, may help to reduce symptoms of M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs.
Prevention
To prevent M. hyopneumoniae in pigs, it is important to practice good hygiene, including washing hands and equipment, and to use vaccines when available.
Control
To control M. hyopneumoniae infection in pigs, it is important to identify and isolate infected pigs, and to practice good biosecurity measures.
Good ventilation, prevention of overcrowding, and regular cleaning and disinfection can also help to reduce the spread of the disease.
#7. Haemophilus Parasuis
Category: Bacterial Disease
Haemophilus parasuis is a Gram-negative bacterium that is an important pathogen of swine. It is mainly associated with the upper respiratory tract and can cause severe clinical signs including polyserositis, polyarthritis, polyserositis, and polyserositis.
Causes
Haemophilus Parasuis is caused by the bacterium Haemophilus Parasuis, a Gram-negative bacterium that is part of the normal microbiome of the respiratory and reproductive tracts of pigs. It is an opportunistic pathogen, meaning that it only causes disease when the pig’s immune system is weakened.
Symptoms
Clinical signs of Haemophilus Parasuis infection in pigs include fever, coughing, nasal and eye discharge, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, the infection can lead to severe pneumonia and even death.
Treatment
Treatment of Haemophilus Parasuis infection in pigs usually involves the use of antibiotics. The most commonly used antibiotics are tetracyclines, macrolides, and fluoroquinolones.
Herbal treatments for Haemophilus Parasuis infection in pigs include the use of herbal extracts such as echinacea, garlic, and ginger. These herbal extracts are believed to increase the pig’s immune system and reduce the symptoms of infection.
Prevention
The best way to prevent Haemophilus Parasuis infection in pigs is to maintain a healthy and clean environment, and to vaccinate pigs against the bacterium.
Control
Controlling Haemophilus Parasuis infection in pigs is best done through proper biosecurity measures such as cleaning and disinfecting pens, water sources, and equipment that come in contact with the pigs. Vaccination is also an important part of controlling the disease.
#8. Salmonellosis
Category:
Salmonellosis is a bacterial infection caused by a group of bacteria called Salmonella. In pigs, it is most often caused by Salmonella enterica and Salmonella choleraesuis.
It is a highly contagious disease that can be spread from animal to animal, from animal to human, or from contaminated food or water.
Causes
Salmonellosis in pigs is caused by Salmonella bacteria, which are found in the environment and can be spread by contaminated food, water, or contact with other infected animals.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Salmonellosis in pigs may include fever, loss of appetite, depression, diarrhea, dehydration, vomiting, and weight loss. There may also be a decreased milk production.
Treatment
Treatment for Salmonellosis in pigs usually involves antibiotics, fluid therapy, and supportive care.
Herbal treatments for Salmonellosis in pigs may include garlic, ginger, fennel, and turmeric.
Prevention
To prevent Salmonellosis in pigs, good hygiene practices should be followed, including washing hands after handling animals, and providing clean food, water, and bedding.
Control
To control Salmonellosis in pigs, it is important to isolate infected animals and practice good biosecurity measures. Vaccines may also be used to reduce the risk of infection.
#9. Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae
Category: Bacteria Disease
Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae is a type of gram-negative bacteria that can cause infectious respiratory diseases in pigs, such as porcine pleuropneumonia and pleuropneumonia-like organisms (PPLO).
This bacterium is spread through direct contact with infected pigs, contaminated water, and airborne transmission.
Causes
Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae is the most common cause of infectious respiratory disease in pigs and can be contracted through contact with infected pigs or contaminated water.
Symptoms
Symptoms of infection may include fever, coughing, difficulty breathing, and a thick, yellow-green nasal discharge.
Treatment
Treatment of Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae infections in pigs is typically accomplished through antibiotics such as tetracycline and ampicillin.
Herbal treatments for Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae infections in pigs include the use of herbal and plant extracts such as echinacea, elderberry, and goldenseal.
Prevention
Prevention of Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae infections in pigs includes good hygiene and sanitation, as well as proper nutrition and vaccination.
Control
Control of Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae infections in pigs is best accomplished through good hygiene, sanitation, and vaccination.
#10. Foot and Mouth Disease
Category: Viral Disease
Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) is a contagious and sometimes fatal disease of cloven-hoofed animals, including pigs. It is caused by a virus of the genus Aphthovirus, which is spread through direct contact with infected animals, contact with contaminated materials, or through aerosolized particles.
Symptoms
Symptoms of FMD in pigs include fever, blisters around the mouth and feet, lameness, decreased appetite, drooling, and difficulty walking. In severe cases, the blisters can burst and form sores.
Treatment
Treatment for FMD in pigs is typically supportive, including fluids and antibiotics to prevent secondary bacterial infections. In certain cases, anti-viral medications may be prescribed.
Herbal treatments for FMD in pigs have not been extensively studied but may include herbs such as ginger, turmeric, and garlic, which have anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
Prevention
Prevention of FMD in pigs involves good hygiene and biosecurity practices, including keeping pigs in clean, dry enclosures, cleaning and disinfecting enclosures regularly, and avoiding contact with other animals or materials that may be contaminated. Vaccines are available in some countries but are not widely used.
Control
Control of FMD in pigs is primarily focused on preventing the spread of the virus. This includes not moving pigs between farms, avoiding contact with other animals or materials that may be contaminated, and using strict biosecurity measures. Vaccination may be used in certain cases depending on the strain of the virus present.
Pig Diseases Symptoms and Treatment Pdf
Pig diseases can range from mild to life-threatening, and accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment are essential for successful management.
Common signs of disease in pigs include weight loss, poor appetite, coughing and sneezing, labored breathing, reduced mobility, and discharges from the nose or eyes.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve antibiotics, vaccines, supportive care, and/or other medications or supplements.
Regular monitoring of pigs for signs of disease and early intervention are essential for maintaining healthy animals.
Pig Diseases Signs and Symptoms
Pig diseases can range from bacterial or viral infections to parasitic infestations. Signs and symptoms of pig diseases can include coughing, difficulty breathing, decreased appetite, depression, fever, joint swelling, diarrhea, loss of appetite, skin lesions, labored breathing, and sudden death.
What Are the Common Diseases In Pigs
Common diseases in pigs include Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS), Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD), Swine Dysentery, Salmonellosis, E. coli infections, and Swine Influenza.
Other conditions include Pasteurellosis, Mycoplasma, and Streptococcal infections. Vaccines and biosecurity measures are recommended to prevent these diseases.
Viral Pig Diseases
Viral pig diseases are caused by various viruses and can cause serious health problems in pigs. These diseases include classical swine fever, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, and porcine circovirus type 2.
Symptoms of these diseases can vary but may include fever, loss of appetite, and respiratory distress.
Treatment of these diseases may include antibiotics, antivirals, and supportive care. Vaccines are available to help prevent these diseases.
Diseases Caused by Pigs to Human
Pigs can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans, including swine flu, pseudorabies, and brucellosis.
Swine flu is a respiratory virus that can cause fever, coughing, chest pain, and breathing difficulties.
Pseudorabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system and can cause fever, tremors, and paralysis.
Brucellosis is a bacterial infection that affects the reproductive system and can cause fever, joint pain, and fatigue.
Common Swine Diseases and Treatment PPT
Swine diseases can cause significant economic losses to the swine production industry. Common diseases include swine dysentery, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome, pseudorabies, post-weaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, and salmonellosis.
Proper management and treatment of these diseases is essential for the success of the industry. Treatment strategies include vaccinations, antimicrobial therapy, and improved husbandry practices.
Vaccinations and antimicrobial therapy are the most commonly used treatments for swine diseases, while improved husbandry practices such as improved sanitation and biosecurity are also important for swine health.
Prevention of Pig Diseases
Pig diseases can be prevented by providing clean and well-ventilated housing, proper nutrition, regular health checks and vaccinations, and biosecurity measures such as limiting access to the farm, quarantining of new animals, and avoiding contact with pigs from other farms.
Conclusion
Pig diseases are common; however, proper management and preventative care of your animals can help reduce their risk of becoming ill. Pigs are highly susceptible to a number of common diseases, and all of these diseases can be treated with appropriate veterinary care and medicines. I believe that by now you are aware of the symptoms and effects of each disease, as well as the best treatment options available.
