Samantha Louise R. Carimpong G9 - Diamond

Swine DiseasesTable 1. Diseases of the pre-weaning period

DiseaseMajor signsTreatmentPreventionComments

Colibacillosis (E. coli)Diarrhoea (scours); sudden deathFluid therapy; antibiotics (I,O,W); warmthImprove hygiene; vaccinate sow/gilts; provide a warm clean creep areaCoccidiosis may be involved

CoccidiosisDiarrhoea at 10-21 days of ageFluid therapy; coccidiostatsImprove hygiene; provide a warm, clean creep area-

Overlay / traumaSudden deathNoneProvide a warm, clean creep area; check farrowing crate design-

Starvation (hypo-glycaemia)Weakness; deathDextrose solutions; supplementary feedingImprove sow's milk supplyEnsure gilts have adequate functional teats

StillbirthsBorn deadNoneVarious methodsMany causes; consult a veterinarian

Miscellaneous infectionsLameness; sudden deathAntibiotics (I)Improve hygiene; repair flooringInfection due to bacteria; swollen joints commonly seen

Exudative epidermitis (greasy pig)Skin lesions; deathAntibiotics; skin protectant; vitaminsImprove hygiene; provide a dry, warm, clean creep area; prevent skin abrasionsStaphylococcus hyicusinfection

Table 2. Diseases of the post-weaning period

DiseaseMajor signsTreatmentPreventionComment

Colibacillosis (E. coli)Diarrhoea; sudden deathFluid therapy; antibioticsVaccinate; improve hygiene; provide warmth for weaners; reduce stress at weaningA common and expensive problem

Respiratory diseaseCoughing; sneezing; reduced growth rate; sometimes deathAntibiotics (I,W,F); improved ventilation and environmentImprove ventilation; reduce stocking density; reduce stress; antibiotics; vaccinateEnzootic pneumonia;pleuropneumonia; pasteurellosis;Glasser's disease;Streptococcus suis

Swine dysenteryDiarrhoea with blood; diarrhoea; reduced growth rates; deathAntibiotics (I,W,F); reduced stocking densityImprove hygiene; antibiotics (F)Avoid purchasing infected pigs; control rodents

Proliferative enteropathy (PE)(ileitis)Diarrhoea with blood; diarrhoea; reduced growth rate; sudden deathAntibiotics (I,W,F); iron; vitamin BAntibiotics (F)Three main syndromes affecting different aged pigs

Sarcoptic mangeItching; dermatitis; rubbing; scratching; reduced growth rateMiticidal sprays; pour-ons; injection and in-feed premixStrategically treat breeder pigs and weaners/growersMay go unnoticed in a herd; may add to pneumonia problems; pigs of all ages can be affected

Intestinal torsionSudden deathDiet manipulationNoneA common cause of death in some herds

Gastric ulcerationLoss of appetite; vomiting; deathRarely effectiveManipulate diet, including feed coarseness; reduce stress; reduce diseaseProbably feed and disease related; can affect pigs of any age

ErysipelasArthritis; skin lesions; reduced growth rate; condemnations at slaughterAntibiotics (I)VaccinateMost losses occur between two and six months of age

Internal parasites(worms)Diarrhoea; reduced growth rate; pneumoniaParasiticides in-feed or injectionParasiticidesRoundworm; whipworm; kidney worm

Exudative epidermitis(greasy pig)Skin lesions; deathAntibiotics; skin protectant; vitaminsImprove hygiene; provide a dry, warm, clean weaner pen; prevent skin abrasion.Staphylococcus hyicusinfection

Table 3. Diseases of breeder pigs

DiseaseMajor signsTreatmentPreventionComment

Farrowing sickness (mastitis, metritis, agalactia - MMA)Reduced milk production; loss of appetite; higher body temperatureAntibiotics (I,W,F); oxytocin; anti-inflammatory drugsReduce feeding prior to farrowing; ensure good hygiene in farrowing crate; reduce stress on sowsReduces number of pigs weaned per sow; infection due to bacteria

LamenessPremature culling; reduced herd fertilityRarely effectiveImprove floor design; control erysipelas; prevent injuries; reduce conformation defectsRegularly check breeder pigs for leg lesions

Porcine parvovirusMummification; returns to service; stillborn and weak-born pigletsNoneVaccinateEndemic and epidemic forms of this disease; fewer pigs sold per sow a year

Vaginal discharge syndromeReproductive tract infectionsAntibiotics (I,W,F); antibiotic treatment of boar's prepuceCull affected animals; improve hygiene of mating pens and dry-sow shedCaused by bacteria and poor hygiene

Bladder infection (cystitis)Kidney infectionBlood-stained urineReluctance to stand; sudden deathAntibiotics (I,W,F)Antibiotic infection of boar's prepuceAntibioticsIncrease water intake; improve hygiene in dry sow shedBoars transmit bacteria to sows and gilts at mating

LeptospirosisStillborn or weak born pigs; abortion; returns to serviceAntibiotics (I,W,F)VaccinateCan also affect humans

ErysipelasAbortions; reproductive failureAntibiotics (I,W,F)VaccinateCan also cause arthritis and skin lesions

Gastric torsion (seeintestinal torsion)Sudden deathNoneFeed twice or three times per day; do not overfeed hungry pigsCommonly seen when level of feeding is increased

Gastric ulcersLoss of appetite; vomiting; depraved appetite; blood in dung; sudden deathAntibiotics (I); wet feedInvestigate feed, fineness, crude fibre and vitamin E/selenium; reduce stressCan occur in pigs of any age