Pigs are susceptible to a variety of
diseases, many of which can have significant impacts on their health and
productivity. Here's an overview of some common pig diseases and their
treatments:
1. Porcine Reproductive and
Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)
Cause: PRRS is caused by a virus that
primarily affects the respiratory system and reproductive performance of pigs.
Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty
breathing, reproductive failure (abortions, stillbirths), weak piglets.
Treatment:
There is no specific antiviral
treatment for PRRS.
Prevention: Vaccination is key. Good
biosecurity practices, such as isolating new animals and maintaining hygiene,
are critical in controlling PRRS outbreaks.
2. Swine Influenza (Flu)
Cause: Influenza A virus affecting
pigs.
Symptoms: Sudden onset of fever,
coughing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite, and lethargy.
Treatment:
Symptomatic treatment
(anti-inflammatory drugs for fever).
Prevention: Vaccination, reducing
stress in pigs, and improving ventilation in pig housing.
3. Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED)
Cause: A coronavirus that affects the
intestines.
Symptoms: Severe diarrhea, vomiting,
dehydration, high mortality in young piglets.
Treatment:
There is no specific treatment;
supportive care (rehydration, maintaining warmth) is essential.
Prevention: Vaccination and strict
biosecurity measures.
4. Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD)
Cause: A viral disease affecting
cloven-hoofed animals.
Symptoms: Blisters and ulcers on the
tongue, mouth, and feet; fever; lameness; reduced productivity.
Treatment:
There is no treatment; affected
animals must often be culled to prevent spread.
Prevention: Vaccination and strict
biosecurity.
5. Erysipelas
Cause: Caused by the bacterium
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae.
Symptoms: Sudden death, fever, skin
lesions (diamond-shaped), lameness, and chronic arthritis.
Treatment:
Antibiotics: Penicillin is the
treatment of choice.
Prevention: Vaccination is effective
in preventing the disease.
6. Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae
(APP)
Cause: Bacteria that cause
pleuropneumonia, a severe respiratory disease in pigs.
Symptoms: Coughing, difficulty
breathing, fever, sudden death.
Treatment:
Antibiotics: Tetracyclines or
penicillins are commonly used, but treatment needs to be swift.
Prevention: Vaccination and
maintaining good ventilation in pig barns.
7. Mastitis, Metritis, and Agalactia
(MMA) Syndrome
Cause: Usually occurs postpartum due
to infections (E. coli, streptococci).
Symptoms: Inflammation of the mammary
glands (mastitis), uterine infection (metritis), and inability to produce milk
(agalactia).
Treatment:
Antibiotics: Targeting bacterial
infections.
Anti-inflammatory drugs and oxytocin
to aid milk letdown.
Prevention: Proper hygiene during farrowing
and monitoring sows postpartum.
8. Pseudorabies (Aujeszky's Disease)
Cause: A herpesvirus affecting pigs.
Symptoms: Nervous system disorders,
respiratory issues, reproductive problems.
Treatment:
There is no treatment.
Prevention: Vaccination and
maintaining biosecurity to prevent virus spread.
9. Greasy Pig Disease (Exudative
Epidermitis)
Cause: Caused by Staphylococcus
hyicus bacteria.
Symptoms: Greasy, oozing skin
lesions, dehydration.
Treatment:
Antibiotics: Penicillin or
amoxicillin are commonly used.
Topical antiseptics and supportive
care.
Prevention: Good hygiene and
minimizing skin injuries in piglets.
10. Coccidiosis
Cause: Intestinal parasites
(coccidia) affecting young piglets.
Symptoms: Diarrhea, weight loss,
dehydration, and stunted growth.
Treatment:
Anticoccidial drugs: Toltrazuril or
sulfonamides.
Prevention: Proper sanitation and
preventing overcrowding.
General Prevention Tips:
Biosecurity: Isolation of new
animals, proper sanitation, and disinfection to prevent disease introduction
and spread.
Vaccination: Vaccination programs
targeting specific diseases in the herd.
Good Husbandry: Adequate nutrition,
stress reduction, and proper housing conditions are key to preventing disease.
Always consult a veterinarian for
accurate diagnosis and treatment tailored to specific situations.
The Complete Guide to Raising Pigs Everything You Need to
Know Explained Simply
Pigs are a very
special breed of animal; they can be almost as much a pet as they are a
potential source of meat and income. The proper raising of pigs is disputed for
this reason, and there are multiple ways to go about it. To be an effective pig
farmer, you must not only understand the various different perspectives on
raising of pigs, but be able to adjust to the breeds you select and the method
by which you decide to raise each of them. From how they are fed to how you
treat and handle them as babies, pigs are a very unique species of farm animal.
This book provides every necessary detail you need to start raising pigs
immediately.
Topics cover a wide
variety of topics, including:
·
The difference between pigs that are raised for meat and those
that are used for disposal of compost or as pets
·
How the process of home butchering and processing is completed
What you can do to start fitting and showing your pigs in competition
·
The ins and outs of the pig raising business, including the breeds
you will encounter, the expectations of you by other pig farmers, and the
details you need to see to when you purchase your first pigs
·
How to start breeding your own pigs
Dozens of interviews
with top pig farmers and experts from around the country have been gathered for
this book to provide a detailed look at how the industry is run, including the
management of a pig herd, the health care of your pigs, and the daily
operations that must be completed in caring for your pigs.
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