Respiratory health is important for the overall well-being and productivity of pigs. Respiratory diseases are a major cause of death in swine, particularly in nursery and grower-finisher units. These illnesses lead to considerable economic losses due to reduced growth rates, impaired feed efficiency, and increased treatment costs. They also impact animal welfare.
Common Pig Respiratory Diseases
Several prevalent respiratory diseases affect pig herds, each with distinct causes and observable signs. Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is a widespread viral disease that weakens the pig’s immune system, making them susceptible to other infections. Signs include fever, respiratory distress, poor growth in young pigs, and reproductive issues like abortions and stillbirths in breeding sows.
Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, a bacterium that damages the cilia in the respiratory tract. Pigs with this condition often exhibit a persistent dry cough, reduced feed conversion, and uneven growth. Swine Influenza Virus (SIV) is a highly contagious pathogen that results in sudden outbreaks with symptoms such as fever, coughing, nasal discharge, and a loss of appetite. Atrophic Rhinitis, caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica and/or toxigenic Pasteurella multocida, leads to sneezing, coughing, and can cause facial deformities due to damage to the nasal turbinates, particularly in piglets.
Diagnosing Respiratory Illness in Pigs
Diagnosis begins with observing clinical signs. Common indicators include changes in breathing patterns, nasal discharge, coughing, sneezing, lethargy, decreased appetite, or uneven body condition.
Veterinarians confirm diagnosis through clinical examination and herd history review. Diagnostic tools include laboratory testing of samples. PCR and serology detect pathogens or exposure from samples like nasal swabs or oral fluids. Post-mortem examination and histological investigations of lung lesions also provide insights into causative agents.
Medical Treatment Approaches
Treatment for pig respiratory diseases often involves specific medications tailored to the identified pathogen. Antibiotics are the primary treatment for bacterial infections; responsible use under veterinary prescription mitigates antimicrobial resistance. Common bacterial agents treated include Pasteurella multocida, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae.
Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce fever and discomfort, improving appetite and well-being. These drugs help manage the inflammatory response associated with respiratory infections. Medications are administered through various routes, including injection, in-feed, or in-water medication. Individual injections are efficient for severely ill pigs, while in-water or in-feed medication can treat groups or prevent disease.
Supportive Care and Environmental Management
Supportive care and environmental management significantly aid recovery from respiratory diseases. Ensuring good ventilation in pig housing is important, as poor air quality with dust and ammonia exacerbates respiratory issues. Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity reduces thermal stress, which can predispose pigs to infection.
Continuous access to fresh water and palatable feed is beneficial, as sick pigs may reduce intake. Nutritional support, including vitamin and mineral supplementation, strengthens the pig’s immune system and combats oxidative stress. Minimizing stress through proper stocking density and good husbandry supports the pig’s immune response and aids recovery.
Preventing Future Outbreaks
Preventing respiratory disease outbreaks involves a multi-faceted approach. Stringent biosecurity measures are key, including controlled farm access, proper sanitation, and disinfection of equipment and vehicles. This includes establishing designated entry points with footbaths and farm-specific clothing.
Vaccination programs, developed with a veterinarian, enhance herd immunity against specific respiratory pathogens like Swine Influenza Virus or Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. While vaccines may not always prevent infection entirely, they can reduce disease severity. Good husbandry practices, such as appropriate stocking densities and utilizing “all-in/all-out” systems (emptying and cleaning barns between groups), also help break disease cycles and limit pathogen transmission.