SWINE DYSENTERY

Caused by Serpulina (Treponema) hyodysenterie which is sometimes referred to

as Vibrionic dysentery, bloody scours, bloody diarrhea or black scours.
CLINICAL SIGNS
fever (40oC)
watery feces with blood/mucus in the feces
loss of appetite
back is arched and due to the pain in the abdomen the pig may be seen
trying to kick it
in chronic cases there is dehydration, thirst, weakness, in coordination and
emaciation. Death may result from dehydration and/or acidosis.
Brownish diarrhea
Diarrhea progresses to brownish red with a much more liquid consistency
Lesions are found in the large intestine.
Typical shape of Swine
Dysentery-infected pigs
PREVENTION
Prevention is by lessening stress through good housing and management,
maintenance of good hygiene and cleanliness to limit the multiplication of the
bacteria. Prevent overcrowding.
Treatment
When treated with antibiotics, may show signs of improvement (Tylosin,
lincomycin, bacitracin, etc.)
DYSENTERY

SALMONELLOSIS
Various strain of Salmonella bacteria can cause diarrhea. This type of diarrhea
is rare in young piglets and is usually seen from weaning up to 6 months. Acute
deaths can occur.
CLINICAL SIGNS
heavy bacteremia
high fever
cyanosis of the skin (bluish skin) specially in the belly and eartips and skin
hemorrhages
little or no diarrhea before death
TREATMENT
Treatment should start first with isolation of infected animals to prevent the
spread of the disease to the group or herd. Remove the feed and provide clean
drinking water with electrolytes. Three (3) days treatment with antibiotics like
Ampicillin or Chloramphenicol (Please note that chloramphenicol is presently
banned for use in food animals in the Philippines). These should be followed with
feed or water antibiotics for 7 days.
PREVENTION
The disease can be prevented by implementing an all-in-all-out system in
fattening pigs. Maintain good hygiene and other general preventive measures. Also
take note that Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease.
Salmonellosis

PORCINE PROLIFERATIVE ENTEROPATHY

(Ileitis, PIA, Porcine Intestinal Adenomatosis, Red Gut)
The causative agent of PPE is Lawsonia intracellularis an intracellular curved
bacteria. The acute form of this disease occurs in young breeding stock or
finishing pigs while the chronic forms occur in young growing pigs. Also, the
disease, albeit not apparent can affect from 15 to 50% of the growing herd.
CLINICAL SIGNS
Acute forms
death, often the first signs seen
pale and anemic animals
depression and reluctance to move
reduced appetite
retarded growth
watery, dark or bright red diarrhea
abortion may occur in recovering animals often within 6 days of the onset of
clinical signs

Chronic forms
very slight with irregular periods of diarrhea and anorexia
severe loss of condition and persistent scouring
terminal peritonitis
PREVENTION
The disease can be prevented by implementing an all-in-all-out system in
fattening pigs. Maintain good hygiene and other general preventive
measures.
Also take note that Salmonellosis is a zoonotic disease.

PORCINE PARVOVIRAL INFECTION

Stillbirth, Mummification, Embryonic Death, Infertility (SMEDI)
Both these diseases cause the same disease symptoms, and they can only be
differentiated from each other by laboratory tests. When these diseases are present
in the herd, they cause no other symptoms except reproductive failure.
CLINICAL SIGN
too many repeat breeders in the herd
intervals are often more than 21 days
early embryonic deaths
small litter sizes
mummies, stillbirths, weak piglets
TREATMENT
There is no treatment for reproductive failure.
PREVENTION
in a herd free from parvovirus/SMEDI occurrences is very difficult since these
viruses are known to be very stable and can be infective for long periods.
Even with good hygienic measures and strict quarantine, it can still find its
way into the farm. The most common ways are from new stock, persons,
rodents and other unwanted animals.

 Ensure that gilts and new breeding stock entering the breeding herd are
properly at least one (1) month before breeding, should be implemented. This
establishes a common micro flora providing a fairly uniform immunity.
Still birth, Mummification, Embryonic Death, Infertility (SMEDI)

BRUCELLOSIS
This disease is caused by a bacterial organism, Brucella suis.
Importance of brucellosis:
Brucella suis is not a highly infectious organism. It spreads slowly between
and within herds, and you should be able to keep it out of your herd if you
take sensible precautions. But it is a serious disease, and you must always
think of it as such.
The disease is zoonotic. If brucellosis is suspected in your herd, take great
care that you and the farm caretakers do not get infected. Call in your
veterinarian immediately.
If it gets into your herd, it is difficult to eliminate. It causes long term
reproductive losses, and some types also cause a very nasty disease
(known as undulant fever) in people.
CLINICAL SIGNS
in male breeders
orchitic (inflammation of the testicles) which may lead to temporary or
permanent sterility
The organism multiplies in the testicles and/or the male accessory
reproductive glands and is then shed in the semen for prolonged periods.
The infection in the boars reproductive tract is usually permanent. The
damage that it does is irreversible.
in female breeders

 abortion at any time of the gestation period

high return to service and vaginal discharges
The infection in the sows reproductive tract is not permanent
and eventually clears up spontaneously.
in newborn piglets
stillbirths and weak piglets
in adult pigs
lameness and posterior paralysis
abscess formation in the extremities or other parts of the body
A few growing pigs and adults, and a slightly greater number of
suckling piglets and weaners start to develop partial or total paralysis in their
hind quarters. This is the result of infection and damage to the spine. Some
pigs may become lame with swollen joints.
TREATMENT
There is no practical treatment for this disease. All infected animals should be
slaughtered and disposed properly, either by burning or burying.

PREVENTION
Healthy animals - buy stocks from Brucella-free pigs.
Proper quarantine procedures - This includes, in particular, the prevention
of exposure of the herd to infected pigs and the introduction of Brucellafree replacement pigs.
Testing animals for brucellosis (blood testing) - Repeated herd blood tests
with removal of positive reactors is a good preventive measure. However,
this may be effective if only a few pigs are infected but is likely to be
unsuccessful if many pigs are positive.
Proper disposal of manure and dead animals

Brucella - 'orchitis'

Mastitis-Metritis- Agalactia (MMA) Syndrome

Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland which is
responsible for milk production. Mastitis involving individual udder section
is diagnosed by keen, visual observation and manual examination.
Metritis or inflammation and infection of the uterus often occurs after
farrowing, dystocia or abortion. Metritis is part of the agalactia syndrome
so frequently encountered as a clinical entity in swine practice.
The following organisms are frequently isolated from animals
suffering from metritis: Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, Enterobacter
aerogenes, Klebsiella aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Prevention and Treatment
There are several factors that can lead to MMA in a herd, including
infection, stress, lack of good nutrition and toxicity from constipation and
uterus infection. Toxicity can result from constipation brought about by a
lack of exercise and poor diet. Here, we can always mention the very

important contribution of improper feeding shortly before and after

farrowing.
Retained uterine contents after farrowing may also result to toxicity.
Injections of hormone oxytocin will help the sow in expelling retained
placenta, blood or any fetal membrane. Moreover, flushing or lavage using
a mild antiseptic (0.1% - 0.2% potassium permanganate) or herbal
decoction (guava leaves) is a cheaper way of expelling retained uterine
contents. A sow needs plenty of clean, fresh water. Flow rate should be at
least 1.5 liter/minute for proper milk production.
Mastitis

Flushing or lavage with the use of a syringe and a catheter facilitates

evacuation of retained uterine content.

PORCINE PARVOVIRAL INFECTION

Stillbirth, Mummification, Embryonic Death, Infertility (SMEDI)
Both these diseases cause the same disease symptoms, and they
can only be differentiated from each other by laboratory tests. When
these diseases are present in the herd, they cause no other symptoms
except reproductive failure.

CLINICAL SIGNS
too many repeat breeders in the herd
intervals are often more than 21 days

 early embryonic deaths

small litter sizes
mummies, stillbirths, weak piglets
TREATMENT
There is no treatment for reproductive failure.
PREVNTION
Prevention in a herd free from parvovirus/SMEDI occurrences is
very difficult since these viruses are known to be very stable and
can be infective for long periods. Even with good hygienic
measures and strict quarantine, it can still find its way into the
farm. The most common ways are from new stock, persons,
rodents and other unwanted animals.
Ensure that gilts and new breeding stock entering the breeding
herd are properly at least one (1) month before breeding, should
be implemented. This establishes a common micro flora providing
a fairly uniform immunity.
Additionally, prevention in an infected herd is based on
immunizing the gilts providing contact with older sows before
they are bred, or even mixing fecal matter from sows and piglets
with their feed. It is also a practice to feed after-births and
fetuses of affected sows (these are either chopped fresh or dried
and mixed with the feed).
A vaccine is available for parvovirus and is usually given to gilts,
boars and sows (up to second parity only). However, this also
depends on the discretion of the veterinarian whether to continue
vaccination until the third or fourth parities.

LEPTOSPIROSIS
This disease is caused by a bacterial organism, Leptospira spp. Take
note that leptospirosis is infectious to human beings (zoonotic). The signs
are fever, headache, pain and stiffness of the muscles.

CLINICAL SIGNS
Animals may show various levels of inappetence, fever and
diarrhea which may last for about 3 days and which can easily be
overlooked
abortion (more common in the late stage of pregnancy (D90D110)
in cases of abortion, it is common to have piglets dying at
different stages of gestation
infertility does not occur in leptospirosis cases
The signs of the disease appear in 1-3 days post-farrowing. They
will be found lying in their beds, shivering or trembling.
The temperature ranges from 40oC-41oC.
The udder is hot and milk flow is inhibited. A thick, whitish to
yellowish discharge from vulva is seen by the end of the first or
second day.
TRANSMISSION
The disease is spread by way of urine. Animals can remain infectious
and continue shedding Leptospira spp. for years, since the infection
persists in the kidneys where these pathogens cannot be effectively
reached by the immune system.
TREATMENT
Treatment is possible using antibiotics. Streptomycin is most
effective in these cases.
PREVENTION
isolation of sick animals and new additions to the herd
cleaning and disinfection of pens and equipment
extermination of rats
administration of leptospirosis vaccines
keeping different classes of livestock separated
buying healthy stocks

STREPTOCOCCAL ARTHRITIS

CLINICAL SIGNS
Mycoplasma hyorhinis is found commonly in the nasal cavity
(nose or snout) of swine and is frequently a secondary invader
following pneumonia. Some of the signs to look for early in the
disease are rough haircoat and depression. As the disease
progresses, the animal suffers abdominal and chest pains. The pigs
show stretching movements with the front and hind limbs extended
particularly when first aroused. Other signs are labored breathing,
poor appetites and slight temperature elevations. Pigs may lie on
their chest rather than their sides. Lameness and enlarged joints
follow.

PREVENTION
involves good sanitation in the farrowing house.
Clipping navel cords and treating them with a disinfecting
solution is helpful.
A dry, warm, ventilated farrowing house is recommended for
controlling this disease.
Injections of a combination of penicillin and streptomycin will
work well in the early stages of the disease. When infection
becomes well-established, complete recovery maybe impossible.

Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)

The porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) is a
relatively new disease that is caused by an arterivirus.

CLINICAL SIGNS
When the virus first enters the breeding herd, disease is seen in dry and
lactating sows and suckling piglets. It has primarily reproductive and
respiratory manifestations. However, one of the early clinical signs include
a blue discoloration of the ears, hence its early name "blue ear pig
disease.
red eye symptom
TREATMENT
vitamins
high energy diet

Weak born piglets, stillbirths

and mummies due to PRRS

Diarrhea of Piglets
While the consistency of manure may vary according to the diet
fed, diarrhea maybe considered to occur when through small or
large intestinal disease there is a change to a more fluid
consistency than normal. Clinical signs associated with small
intestinal disease may include vomiting, melena, poorly digested
feeds and bulky voluminous feces. Vomiting seldomly occurs in
cases of large intestinal diseases, however, there maybe bloody
stools, gross mucus on the feces, small and frequent defections
and tenesmus.
CLINICAL SIGN
Diarrhea as the main clinical sign. Minimal other signs of gastrointestinal
tract disease such as vomiting, anorexia, or colic.
Control and Treatment
In commercial farms, routine vaccination of sows against E. coli is
practiced coupled with improved husbandry practices. On the
other hand, it should be mentioned that the immunity of piglets
due to pre-farrowing vaccination is also dependent on adequate
colostrum and milk production.
It is therefore very important to ensure adequate colostrum
intake. As have been explained in the preceding discussions,
colostrum contains antibodies which helps protects young piglets
during their first few weeks of life. Natural immunization of gilts
during the quarantine period will boost immunity against common
farm pathogens.
Further, corrections of environmental defects: improve ventilation
(to avoid draughty conditions); daily and routine cleaning; keep
bedding dry and clean; keeping the creep area warm would
greatly improve the resistance of young piglets. Postponement of
scheduled piglet activities on weak piglets is also advisable as
these will give additional stress, further reducing their
resistance.
The administration of iron is also withheld if diarrhea is due to E.
coli. The explanation is that this bacterium needs iron as a source
of nutrient for multiplication. Iron administered will then serve as
an additional food for them. On the other hand, consult your
veterinarian for proper diagnosis and recommendations.
Electrolyte solution will help rehydrate the body fluids lost due to
excessive diarrhea. There are many commercially prepared
electrolyte solution available in the market. In some cases, creep
feed may cause diarrhea, withheld creep feed if diarrhea occurs
1-3 days after the introduction of feed.

Lastly, evaluate the integrity of the sow. Sometimes the

diarrhea of piglets is due to an infected milk of the sow, or
inadequate milk flow (MMA syndrome, old sow). In such cases,
have a closer look at the sow and check if it causes the problem,
and if fostering is possible.

yellowish diarrhea"
Greasy Pig Disease (Exudative Epidermitis)
Caused
This is caused by infection of the skin with Staphylococcus
CLINICAL SIGN
The disease starts with reddening of the skin then becomes wet
and covered with crusts. It usually starts around the head then
spread over the body. It may sometimes resemble mange but the
crust are easy to remove and the skin below is wet, rough and
reddish. Pruritus is not common.
PREVENTION
Routine disinfection of nursery pens and farrowing crates is
recommended. Provide warm, dry, draft-free environment. If lice or
mange are evident, a control program should be instituted. Early
detection is necessary for successful eradication of exudative
epidermitis. Therapeutic doses of penicillin or tetracycline injected
3-4 days in the early stages of the disease may help. Once the lesion
becomes extensive, it may help to bathe the animal with mild soap
and water or disinfectant solutions (iodine or chlorine).

Greasy Pig Disease

Internal Parasites
Parasites are very small animals (insects, worms) that live partly or
completely in the bodies of other "host", animals or plants.
Sometimes, they can be seen by the naked eye, sometimes a
microscope is needed, especially for the younger life stages of the
parasites.
Internal and external parasites are of economic importance to the
swine industry. Actual death losses from parasitism are extremely
low. However, the economic loss is significant, if proper diagnosis,
treatment and prevention are not carried out. By incorporating
standard health practices for controlling internal and external
parasites, you can help maximize your economic gain with healthy
hogs.
CONTROL
Eggs of worms are very resistant. They sometimes remain infectious
for up to five years! Most disinfectants are not effective against worm
eggs. What is important is to keep worm infestation at the lowest possible
level. As such, it is necessary to disrupt the life cycle of the parasites. This
can be achieved in various ways:
General hygiene, including regular cleaning and disinfection of the
pens will minimize intake of infectious larvae of intestinal and
kidney worms.

 A good deworming program will kill adult intestinal worms.

A proper disposal of human wastes to prevent infection with bladder
worms.
Rat and mice eradication programs and cooking of kitchen wastes
prevent swine form infection with muscular worms.
Confinement of animals prevents infection with lungworm. The
frequency with which you need to deworm will depend upon housing
conditions, types of floor and sanitation.

Ascaris suum
Ingested eggs go into the wall of the small intestine, where they
hatch and release larva (immature adults). This larvae migrate to
the liver (where they cause "milk spots"), staying there for
approximately one week before traveling through the blood stream
onto the lungs. In the lungs they will be cough-up and then
swallowed. They go back again to the small intestine where they
finally mature into adults. These adults then produce eggs that are
passed in the feces. Migration predisposes the animal to respiratory
infections and a variety of enteric diseases
Female worms hatched 200,000 eggs/day, which are passed through
the feces. Under warm and moist conditions, these eggs are
infective within eight (8) weeks. Hosts ingest infective eggs and the
cycle continues.

Matured asca

ris

Whipworm

SWINE INFLUENZA
(Swine flu, flu, influenza)
Swine influenza virus belongs to Influenza virus type A. The
incubation period is from 1-3 days or can be as short as 4 hours.
CLINICAL SIGNS
all ages are susceptible but more common among growers and
fatteners
rapid onset of disease, 1-3 days after the introduction of the virus
(or infected animal)
fattening animals develop sneezing, nasal and eye discharge and
coughing often associated with arched back

 animals tend to huddle together and show rapid and labored

breathing especially when they are forced to move
fever may reach 42oC so there is inactivity, depression and loss of
appetite resulting to weight loss
recovery is rapid, about 7 days after the onset and mortality is
very low (1%) unless there is another infection
STRESS FACTOR
moving pigs
mixing pigs
poor isolation facilities
marked diurnal temperature p.m.
overstocking
TREATMENT
Antibiotics are used to suppress secondary bacterial complications
(e.g. Pasteurella). Antibiotics are administered either via water or
injectable, in-feed medication is not recommended because affected
pigs are recumbent and have very poor appetite.
Swine Influenza

MYCOPLASMA HYOPNEUMONIA
(Mycoplasmal Pneumonia of Swine MPS; Enzootic Pneumonia of Swine,
EPS)
Transmission is primarily from pig-to-pig although long range
aerosol transmission is possible. Clinical signs within the herd are
dependent on the degree of infection, contributing pathogens and
environmental stress. Many producers are utilizing all-in-all-out system
for the farrowing and nursery units.

CLINICAL SIGNS

 few pigs show specific symptoms, but Mycoplasma paves the way
for other disease condition such as Actinobacillosis or
Pasteurellosis which would make it more fatal
typical is a short, dry cough
low mortality, but effect is more on the growth of the animal with
very high feed conversion ratio
Infection in Piglets

the newborn piglets become infected from their mother during

birth or first days of life, but due to colostral immunity, signs
appear 2-3 weeks after weaning only
if a newborn does not get enough colostrum (e.g. due to MMA), or
does not get it in time, signs develop at the age of 2-4 weeks
morbidity reaches highest level (40%-60%) at the age of 4-6
months, and thereafter the diseased animals decline, if there are
no complications
TREATMENT

Since Mycoplasma is often complicated by Pasteurella,

Actinobacillus and Bordetella, application of combined drugs with
a wide spectrum is recommended.
Use of vaccines reduce lungs lesions with improvement of weight
gain, however no reduction in the number of Mycoplasma was
observed.
use of drugs or vaccine should always be combined with an
improvement in hygienic conditions.
Mycoplasma hyopneumonia

ACTINOBACILLUS (HEMOPHILUS) PLEUROPNEUMONIA

Subclinical carriers of App are the primary cause of outbreaks.
Serology (30 samples) from pigs at 7-8 weeks of age is important to
determine if App carriers are present. Positive results from these animals

indicate: a recent infection, presence of carriers and in inactive infection

in the herd.
CLINICAL SIGNS

low feed intake coupled with high fever

serious breathing difficulties resulting to sudden death, or
sometimes death within hours
bloody froth from the mouth/nose immediately before/after death
severe damage on growing-finishing farms: market pigs show
inflamed pleura (pleuritis)
Predisposing Factors

draught
mixing/regrouping of pigs
origin of fatteners - different farms
bad micro-climate coupled with high air velocity
over-stocking
CONTROL

Antibiotics
Vaccination
Depopulation/Eradication.
Site of lesions (Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia)

ATROPHIC RHINITIS
Caused by toxins produced by Pasteurella multocida, these bacteria
adhere to the cells of the nose causing degeneration of the
turbinate bones resulting to twisted snouts. Other viruses and
bacteria, in particular Bordetella bronchiseptica. together with
ammonia, dust and cold air all damage the lining of the nose
allowing Pasteurella to colonize the nose. A scoring system in the
slaughterhouse is used in foreign countries to determine extent of
damage.

Control strategies

Antibiotics. First and foremost, proper testing is required to

determine drug sensitivity of the bacteria. Antibiotics such as
oxytetracycline and sulfonamides can be used in feed medication
in the last month of pregnancy to control the shedding of bacteria
from the sow to her subsequent litter. Injectables are sometimes
used on piglet program consisting of three to four injections in
the first 21-28 days of life.
Vaccination. The vaccination program is targeted to protect piglets
before infection. Vaccinate sows before farrowing with a vaccine
containing the appropriate toxin. It must be given 2 weeks prior to
natural exposure to bacteria.

Note the twisted snout (Atrophic rhinitis)

PARAKERATOSIS.
The major portion of this pig's
skin is wrinkled especially on the abdomen
and legs. It does not appear to be irritating to
the pig, although if there is secondary mange
infection, irritation will occur. Most consider
this as zinc deficiency, but mineral imbalances
involving calcium play an important role.

PARAKERATOSIS

STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION
ON LACTATING SOWS
Can easily lead to mastitis and irritation
of the sow causing its refusal
to let her piglets suckle
STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION ON
LACTATING SOWS

STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION
This can easily be mistaken for mange problem. The characteristic
lesion is one of pus-filled insect bite-like wounds.
STAPHYLOCOCCAL INFECTION

ACUTE PERITONITIS
On opening the abdominal cavity, a greenish watery fluid with
strands and sheets of fibrin escaped. The viscera, especially the
intestine, has 'bunched up' from the irritating peritoneal fluid which is
usually gastric fluid and bile. Maybe due to a chronic illness or ascarid
infection which punctured or damaged the biliary system (gall bladder).
ACUTE PERITONITIS

FIBRINOUS PERITONITIS
Many strands and clumps of fibrin are scattered in the abdominal
cavity. A castration wound is just visible between the legs. This might be
the source of infection and the most probable point of entry is the
inguinal canal. Without an accountable wound, one should suspect
Hemophilus spp. (Glasser's disease) in a poly serositis case.
FIBRINOUS PERITONITIS

AURAL HEMATOMA
Before (left) and after (right) the hematoma disappears. Such
conditions maybe due to fighting injuries or circulatory failure. The

condition disappears by itself and it would help if the affected

animal will be isolated.

VULVAR FISTULAE
Usually caused by injuries. On pregnant animal, there will be
difficulty in farrowing, while on dry sows, this could lead to an
internal infection.

IMPERFORATE ANUS
The piglet has been partially necropsied to explain the cut
tissue in the lower part. The area just above the tail should be
open. In this anomaly, the proctodeum (anus) did not open. On
female animal, megacolon may develop and may survive. This
condition is to be differentiated from atresia recti in which the rectal
lumen is constricted more cranially in the GI tract allowing insertion
of a finger or blunt instrument into the anus, at least as far up as
the constriction.

LEG WOUNDS/ABRASIONS

Due to rough floors, weak piglets or perhaps insufficient

milk. Later on, it could lead to arthritis, pneumonia or meningitis, or
simply unthrifty animal

Facial wounds caused by faulty tooth clipping technique. This can lead
to greasy pig disease, if not, death of piglet can happen due to massive
infection.

EPISTAXIS (Nosebleed)
In living or recently dead animals, one should suspect things such as
trauma, foreign bodies, atrophic rhinitis, pneumonia or even bleeding
gastric ulcers with vomiting when one sees relatively fresh blood or blood
mixed with mucus or froth from the nose or mouth. It can also be seen
with extreme exertion and dyspnea.

GASTRIC TORSION

The abdomen was well distended and tense prior to opening in a

recently dead animal. The spleen is seen here on the right side which is
abnormal and the intestine and stomach are gas-filled. This condition
regularly occurs on pregnant sow.

RECTAL PROLAPSE
Rectal prolapse in a farrowing sow. The animal recovered after
replacement of the prolapse.

RECTAL PROLAPSE
Rectal prolapse in a 16-kg. weaner, two days after onset

CLASSICAL SWINE FEVER, HOG CHOLERA

Hog cholera is one of the most commonly occurring viral
disease in South East Asia and the Pacific Region affecting all ages of pigs.
The disease is caused by a virus under the Family Togaviridae.

Importance of Hog Cholera

Hog cholera is one of the most economically-damaging pandemic
viral diseases of pigs in the world.
In a susceptible or unvaccinated herd almost all the pigs are
affected. Mortality is high.
There is only one serotype of the virus, and attenuated vaccines
are highly effective. Also, it does not spread on the wind or on
insects or birds, so standard precautions of farm biosecurity
should keep it out. However, it persists in uncooked and cured
meat.
Mode of Infection
Infection usually occurs via the oro-nasal route and occasionally
through the conjunctiva, genital mucosa or skin lesions. The infection is
classified into three (3) categories. They are acute, chronic or persistent
and congenital infection. Usually, clinical signs appear after 2-6 days of
incubation. Chronic or persistent infection is usually caused by low to
moderate virulence viruses. Pigs my survive the infection showing
prolonged and intermittent disease periods. There can be clinical
improvement, relapse or death
Clinical signs
Clinical signs and symptoms in suckling piglets and growing pigs
will be discussed in Module 6 (Fattener Operation - Health) of this
course. The chronic and persistent type of infection will be
discussed in some detail in this section since it affects breeder
animals.
The virus can cross the placenta and infect the piglets in the
sows uterus. If the virus crosses the placenta before the piglets
immune systems have developed, the following may happen:
They may be born apparently healthy although possibly weak.
They may grow on to be persistent carriers without at first
showing clinical signs.
They shed virus, so they are dangerous to other pigs.

 At several weeks or months of age, they may develop typical

clinical signs. These are likely to be milder, last longer and
without the characteristic high temperatures.
Prevention and Control
Importation of breeders, pork or pork products from countries
positive with hog cholera should be prohibited. Kitchen left-overs
from aircrafts and ships should not be used as pig feeds and has
to be destroyed.
Vaccination is widely practiced in all countries with hog cholera
using the modified live virus vaccine. Thorough cleaning and
disinfection should be done. NO PRACTICAL TREATMENT AGAINST
HOG CHOLERA VIRUS.
Hog Cholera
Pigs affected with hog cholera appear weak, staggering and tend to
sit like a dog.

PSEUDORABIES/AUJESKYS DISEASE
Pseudorabies or Aujeskys Disease is a herpes virus infection
characterized by nervous and respiratory signs associated with a
rise in temperature and often leading to death in young pigs.
Infection in adults maybe inapparent or associated with stillbirth
or abortion.
Clinical signs
Piglets - Clinical signs begin 3-7 days after infection. Piglets may
vomit and may show diarrhea and then become depressed with
trembling and nervous symptoms (circling, dog-sitting position,
spasms, opisthotonos, head pressing) and death within 24 hours.
Adults - Up to 50% of affected pregnant animals abort or give birth
to mummified or macerated fetuses. Reproductive failure may follow
these abortions or early weaning consequent upon death of a litter.

Boars may be affected. Semen quality declines from 10-14 days postinfection for 1-2 weeks. Sperm abnormalities may occur
TREATMENT AND CONTROL
No treatment is possible at present. Antibiotics will prevent
secondary infections particularly of the respiratory system and
also reduce bacterial damage.
Routine vaccination is recommended in enzootic and high risk
areas. There is only one main serotype of the pseudorabies virus
which produces a strong long-lasting immunity. Vaccinated pigs
can become infected, but multiplication of the virus in the pigs'
tissues is limited, and so less is shed into the environment.
Vaccination also prevents the virus from crossing the placenta of
pregnant sows to infect the unborn piglets.
Piglets, which are suckling from vaccinated sows, receive colostral
protection which lasts about 6-8 weeks. This is the age when the
virulent pseudorabies virus would do most damage. During this time
the pigs cannot be vaccinated successfully because the maternal
antibodies neutralize the vaccine virus before it has had time to
stimulate an immunity (see p. 43 for vaccination schedule).
Measures to aid in disease eradication

proper disposal of dead pigs (burning or burying)

buying of tested breeding stocks and isolation for at least 30 days

avoid buying feeder pigs if breeder stocks are being raised
getting of feeder pigs from a farm that did not have the disease
keeping visitors away from swine premises
keeping stray dogs, cats and wildlife off the premises 5
keeping swine and cattle separate
isolation of show stock for 30 days after the fair is over

DIFFERENT
KINDS
OF
SWINE
DISEASES

ENTERIC PROBLEM

REPRODUCTIVE
PROBLEM

SKIN
DISEASES

RESPIRATORY
PROBLEM

MISCELLANEOUS
CONDITIONS