Major Pig Diseases...
“Dippity Pig Syndrome”/Bleeding Back Syndrome
Symptoms: Pigs will dip their backs, vocalize loudly, show signs of severe pain and scream in attempt to get away from even the slightest amount of touch or pressure that may be placed on their backs. They may also drop their hind end and drag the back legs as if paralyzed before attempting to stand again. Some pigs will also exhibit patch or circular type lesions of varying sizes on the lumbar/spinal column region of the skin, that ooze serum. Some may even crack and bleed. Some pigs may display both the skin and behavioral symptoms while most seen, tend to display only the behavioral distress and paralyzed action.
Cause: The underlining cause of “dippity pig” remains a mystery, it is unknown. There are signs that point to stress being the main trigger of the disease. These stresses can include a new owner, change in environment, travel, extreme diet changes or even a thunderstorm. A sunburn or too much sun exposure can also trigger dippity pig, which more and more seems to be a main trigger of the disease. However, the duration of symptoms or more aptly, the episodes, do not last long. Although symptoms come very quickly, there should be a drastic improvement in 24 to 72 hours. Those that are under the age of 2 years, and more likely under a year, are the prime targets of this disease. Older animals rarely if ever, contract dippity pig. They can be one time episodes or a pig can suffer multiple attacks while in the appropriate age range for the disease.
Treatment: Technically, there is no treatment for dippity pig syndrome. The only thing both owner and a veterinarian can do is treat the symptoms to try and make the pig comfortable during the episode. As an owner, you will want to immediately remove your pig away from any stress. This includes bringing the pig in to a very quiet, dimly lit room or area, making sure the pig is as comfortable as possible and rests. Always make sure to provide ample water, as it is very important that they stay well hydrated. For more sever cases, you should take your pig in to the vet. There they can administer a dose of anti-inflammatories such as cortisone or aspirin, or offer prednisone or butorphanol in extreme cases. Aspirin can be given by the owner but you must make sure to give the appropriate dose. Enteric coated aspirin (5mg per lb of body weight, this comes in 81mg/baby aspirin and 325mg full strength). If your pig has had any other medical conditions, seek a veterinarians advise before administering any dose of aspirin as complications can arise. Remember, although very frightening to the owner (as if your pig has been hit by a car), the distress and symptoms typically resolve with no treatment, within 24 hours.
Written by: Jodi Register (2015)
Reference: Merck Veterinary Manual, revised June 2013 by D. Bruce Lawhorn, DVM, MS : http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/exotic_and_laboratory_animals/potbellied_pigs/diseases_of_potbellied_pigs.html
* This is an educational video of "dippity pig syndrome." It can be disturbing to some viewers but remember, they symptoms don't last long. Shown by Downundercolour in May 2010.
Symptoms: Pigs will dip their backs, vocalize loudly, show signs of severe pain and scream in attempt to get away from even the slightest amount of touch or pressure that may be placed on their backs. They may also drop their hind end and drag the back legs as if paralyzed before attempting to stand again. Some pigs will also exhibit patch or circular type lesions of varying sizes on the lumbar/spinal column region of the skin, that ooze serum. Some may even crack and bleed. Some pigs may display both the skin and behavioral symptoms while most seen, tend to display only the behavioral distress and paralyzed action.
Cause: The underlining cause of “dippity pig” remains a mystery, it is unknown. There are signs that point to stress being the main trigger of the disease. These stresses can include a new owner, change in environment, travel, extreme diet changes or even a thunderstorm. A sunburn or too much sun exposure can also trigger dippity pig, which more and more seems to be a main trigger of the disease. However, the duration of symptoms or more aptly, the episodes, do not last long. Although symptoms come very quickly, there should be a drastic improvement in 24 to 72 hours. Those that are under the age of 2 years, and more likely under a year, are the prime targets of this disease. Older animals rarely if ever, contract dippity pig. They can be one time episodes or a pig can suffer multiple attacks while in the appropriate age range for the disease.
Treatment: Technically, there is no treatment for dippity pig syndrome. The only thing both owner and a veterinarian can do is treat the symptoms to try and make the pig comfortable during the episode. As an owner, you will want to immediately remove your pig away from any stress. This includes bringing the pig in to a very quiet, dimly lit room or area, making sure the pig is as comfortable as possible and rests. Always make sure to provide ample water, as it is very important that they stay well hydrated. For more sever cases, you should take your pig in to the vet. There they can administer a dose of anti-inflammatories such as cortisone or aspirin, or offer prednisone or butorphanol in extreme cases. Aspirin can be given by the owner but you must make sure to give the appropriate dose. Enteric coated aspirin (5mg per lb of body weight, this comes in 81mg/baby aspirin and 325mg full strength). If your pig has had any other medical conditions, seek a veterinarians advise before administering any dose of aspirin as complications can arise. Remember, although very frightening to the owner (as if your pig has been hit by a car), the distress and symptoms typically resolve with no treatment, within 24 hours.
Written by: Jodi Register (2015)
Reference: Merck Veterinary Manual, revised June 2013 by D. Bruce Lawhorn, DVM, MS : http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/exotic_and_laboratory_animals/potbellied_pigs/diseases_of_potbellied_pigs.html
* This is an educational video of "dippity pig syndrome." It can be disturbing to some viewers but remember, they symptoms don't last long. Shown by Downundercolour in May 2010.
Pigs can have severe lesions like this presentation, across the majority of the back that bleed and weep.
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They can also have no sores or very small limited ones as seen in this image.
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Colibaccillosis (Form of Scours)
Symptoms: This is a very important diarrhea disease in young pigs. The death rate is very high in young piglets that did not receive adequate colostrum in the first 24-48 hours of life. Older pigs usually develop a resistance. All age ranges will have diarrhea but young piglets will have very watery and clear like diarrhea. It also could be white or yellow in color if the pig is beyond a few days old. Sic pigs will occasionally vomit but this is usually not the case. If the diarrhea continues, there is a notable dehydration and the hair coat becomes very rough and course. Often the body temperature is lower than normal limits. Shivering is also seen if there is no other heat source. Again, these symptoms present more in younger piglets and death tends to occur unless it is caught and treated early on. Prior to death, the piglets may be seen on their side paddling and frothing at the mouth.
Cause: Colibaccillosis is caused by five common pathogenic strains of e.coli, that are found in pigs. It is often seen in breeding sows that transfer it to their piglets. Poor husbandry and poor cleanliness practices usually give way to this disease. Starvation is also a contributor. In pigs that are beyond weaning stage, a major change or stress can also trigger the disease where the symptoms may have been lying dormant.
Treatment: When suspected, a vet needs to be called immediately and antimicrobials need to be started and the entire liter needs to be treated. Weanlings can be given antibiotics in their water. An oral electrolyte solution and probiotics are also helpful when dehydration has set in. Proper sanitation needs to be of high importance! Wash hands and boots after each entry in to the pen or contact with the pigs in question. The pen should be cleaned routinely and consistently.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: Iowa University Article:http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/new-vdpam-employees/food-supply-veterinary-medicine/swine/swine-diseases/colibacillosis-ecoli-
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Erysipelas
Symptoms: The onset of erysipelas is sudden, sometimes the only sign is death. Death occurs because of acute septicemia or heart failure. Suckling piglets rarely ever contract the bacteria. It is more prevalent in sows, boars and pigs over a few months of age. If you are able to catch the infection early on, the pig will most likely run a high fever (101-104F this range is due to the pigs size, smaller animals will be on the lower end of this). The pig will also be very reluctant/not want to to move or get up, even in the presence of food, which indicates a possible joint infection. Your pig will have a decreased appetite and decreased water intake. It will look depressed and show an overall “sick” appearance. Restricted blood supplies (tiny blocked vessels to the skin/thrombosis) cause the classic look of small raised patches called “diamonds” in the skin. These are clearly defined red marks that then turn black, due to necrosis (death) of the tissue. They do not present as abscesses and most patches heal in 7-10 days. You will also be able to palpate (feel) the tiny blocked vessels as small lumps under the skin, before you may see any patches. In a chronic infection (long lasting), the organism may either affect the joints causing lameness and heart valves that develop growths. In sows it can cause piglets to be stillborn or cause abortion. A sows fever can range from 102-104F. In boars, they run very high temperatures and the sperm is infected for 5-6 weeks, which will render them infertile. There are instances that the disease can also be so mild that it will go undetected, especially in younger pigs.
Cause: The bacterium Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae is what causes swine erysipelas. The organism multiples in the body and invades the blood stream to produce a septicemia (infection). How rapid it multiplies and the immunity resistance in the pig, will determine the symptoms. It is found in many pig farms both commercial, rescues, hobby farms with small numbers, and even in individual back yards. There are a large portion of pigs that can carry the infection in their tonsils. It is excreted via the saliva, feces or urine. It is also present in many other species including poultry, sheep and wild birds. It can survive outside the pig for a few weeks and longer in light soils; up to 6 months. Because of this, it can be impossible to eliminate from a herd. Infected feces is probably the main source of infection. There are many factors that can contribute in contracting erysipelas, some are: Wet and dirty pens, waters that have become contaminated and not cleaned regularly, virus infections, the movement of pigs that involves mixing and stress, sudden changes in temperature, sudden changes in diet and is more common in straw bedding practices. It is important to note that even individual pig owners can fall victim to this disease. All it takes is an infected wild bird to drop a good amount of feces in your yard and then your pig goes rooting in it on accident. Most of the time as owners, and as clean as we may be, we will not notice smaller bird droppings in the soil.
Treatment:
If you suspect your pet pig may have erysipelas, we recommend contacting your vet immediately. There is a vaccine for erysipelas that is administered annually (if it is the pigs first time, it will require boosters). However, the vaccine only covers one strain of the bacteria and may not be completely effective. Make sure to ask your veterinarian about the need for this vaccine in your specific location and circumstances.
Erysipelas is very sensitive to penicillin and is the antibiotic of choice. Animals that become ill very quickly, should be treated with quick acting penicillin twice a day, for three to four days. A long acting penicillin can be given as a single dose to cover 48 hours of treatment, then repeated. Penicillin is given as an IM (intramuscular) 1ml/10kg (300,000iu/ml).
*Humans can contract erysipelas but it is rare and usually only occurs when handling raw meat and in commercial swine production.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
Reference: The Pig Site- http://www.thepigsite.com/diseaseinfo/41/erysipelas
"Diamond" skin lesions associated with erysipelas.
Photo Credit- Camp Skipping Pig
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More "Diamond" shaped lesions on the skin.
Photo Credit- The Pig Site
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Pseudorabies AKA Aujeszkys Disease
Symptoms: The visible symptoms of this disease is determined by the age of the pig. Young pigs are highly susceptible to the disease and the death rate is even more high in piglets up to 7 days old. One can witness tremors, paddling, loss of coordination and nervous like behavior, once there is central nervous system involvement. If the piglet is at a weaned age, respiratory distress is the primary problem; especially if it is further complicated by a secondary bacteria infection, which is possible. Sneezing, coughing and difficulty breathing are major signs. The pig will run a fever of 101-105. Anorexia and weight loss are seen in pigs of all ages. Mortality tends to be low in older pigs (a year and up), but high in younger ones (under 6 months).
Cause: Pseudorabies is a viral DNA herpes virus. Only one strain of pseudorabies is recognized at this time. It should not be confused with rabies in cats/dogs and will not display the same symptoms, this is not the same disease! Stress may activate the disease. The virus can be transmitted from nose-to-nose contact or fecal to oral contact. The virus can also be transmitted in aerosol form and stay active in the environment for up to 7 hours in humidity levels above 55%. The virus can also stay active in non chlorinated well water for 7 hours, and 4 days in straw bedding. The virus will die by excessive drying and heat 98F and above. Dead end hosts, such as dogs, cats, or wildlife can transmit the virus between farms but these animals will only survive 2-3 days after being infected. Insects and birds do not play a role in transmission at this time. Wild/feral pigs are a main source of contraction.
Treatment: With pseudorabies, it is important that you contact your veterinarian immediately. Not only can proper diagnosing be difficult with out taking serum samples for lab testing, but many other symptoms can only be determined in a clinic. There is no specific treatment for pseudorabies at this time. The vaccination can relieve symptoms in pigs of certain ages. An antibiotic therapy is also recommended to control any secondary bacteria infection.
There have been many programs in the US that were developed for the eradication of the pseudorabies virus. As of 2014, all 50 states are considered free of the disease in commercial pigs. However, the virus seems to still be active in feral pig populations and on game ranches. Pigs with pseudorabies should never be bred.
*There have been reports and instances of a recuse pig showing up with the disease from time to time. This is most likely because it came in to contact with a feral pig or carcass at one point. Because of this, we also stress how important it is to obtain a health certificate for your pig when crossing any state lines.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: Merck Vet Manual, revision October 2014 by Scott A. Dee, DVM, MS, PhD: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/nervous_system/pseudorabies/overview_of_pseudorabies.html
YouTube Video credits for video to the academic conference by l'Académie royale de Médecine de Belgique
* This video is extremely long but if you ever have the time to watch it, it gives amazing information on the disease and it's role in many other species.
Sores on a piglets nose.
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Deceased piglets and a cat, from pseudorabies.
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Brucellosis
Symptoms: Once the bacteria has established itself in the blood and tissue, the symptoms that may be seen are abortion in sows, temporary or permanent sterilization in both sows and boars, lameness, paralysis in the hind legs in piglets and inflammation in the testicles of boars. In breeding sows, there my be a bloody or pus discharge. In chronic infections, arthritis is a major issue in breeding stock. Most cases of brucellosis in swine go unnoticed unless there are breeding problems in herds, most noticeably, sterile sows and boars or abortions. If piglets are not still born or die shortly after birth, by weaning age, they seem to be fine and show no symptoms the disease ever occurred. The brucellosis bacteria is self limiting and will usually clear up within 90 days after infection.
Cause: Brucellosis is a zoonotic disease, which means it can be spread to humans. However, those most likely to contract it are hog processing workers, veterinarians, hunters and those coming in contact with feral populations. In Europe, the wild hare is also a reservoir. Brucella suis was first discovered in swine in 1914 but it was originally thought to be the same strain as that in cattle. In 1919 it was officially given it’s own scientific name as the numbers infected grew. There are 8 known species or strains of brucellosis that affect different species. Today, there are major eradication projects in the US and it is almost successfully eliminated in commercial herds. It is still resilient in feral populations though. The organism is very resistant to the environment. It cannot survive long in high summer heats but it can withstand freezing/near freezing temperatures for almost 2 years. Most commonly used disinfectants can be used to clean out housing, bedding and accessories.
The disease is transmitted by feral populations and direct contact with infected swine/herds. The typical way a pig will catch the disease is through genital/sexual/reproductive contact. They can also be infected by eating aborted fetuses, afterbirth and any fluids that may have been discharged after abortion. It can also be transmitted through infected semen. It is also transmitted through the placenta but piglets are usually still born or die shortly after birth. It is not as likely, but it can be contracted by mucus membranes when there is a tear or abrasion in the skin.
Treatment: You will need to contact your veterinarian immediately if you suspect that your pig may be suffering from brucellosis. They will need to run a serum or culture test in the lab. Prevention is the best way to treat brucellosis. Do not buy any animal from an infected or possibly infected herd. There is no vaccination for brucellosis and there is no recommended form of treatment, except to let it run it’s course while the animal is quarantined.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: Merck Vet Manual, revision July 2013 by Paul Nicoletti, DVM, MS, DACVPM: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/reproductive_system/brucellosis_in_large_animals/brucellosis_in_pigs.html
Iowa State University: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/new-vdpam-employees/food-supply-veterinary-medicine/swine/swine-diseases/brucellosis-swine-bur
The Pig Site: http://www.thepigsite.com/diseaseinfo/20/brucellosis
Pneumonia
Symptoms: Sometimes when you finally notice the most classic symptoms of a respiratory disease, it can be too late. If your pig goes off it’s feed or water and shows no interest in food or has a classic depressed behavior, you should be on alert. Once the disease has progressed you may see coughing, fast breathing, discharge from the eyes, dehydration, a huddling/hunkering down behavior and fever. In piglets, pneumonia can come on very rapidly and cause death.
Cause: There are actually many organisms and conditions that can bring about pneumonia is swine, it is not caused by one specific bacteria/virus but usually a secondary infection. The organisms that can bring about pneumonia are as follows: Swine influenza virus, Respiratory Corona Virus, Mycoplasma hypopneumoniae (enzoonotic pneumonia), Salmonella choleraesuis, Homophiles parasuis (Gassers Disease) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. Parasites can also bring about the onset of pneumonia when the pig is overloaded with them, this usually occurs with roundworms and lung worms; the parasites will lead the way for a secondary infection in the internal tissues.
There are a variety of reasons that a pig may suffer from pneumonia. Unclean environments, introducing new pigs to a heard, travel, high numbers of pigs, cold environments with high winds, low humidity, high dust and bacteria levels, poor nutrition, major dietary changes and housing with other pigs that may have another disease. The list is quite extensive, this is because there are many different viruses/bacteria and other medical conditions that can bring about the secondary infections, known broadly as pneumonia.
Treatment: We recommend setting up an appointment with your vet immediately if you suspect pneumonia in your pet pig. Although most broad spectrum antibiotics can help and treat pneumonia, it will be better for your vet to run a serology test in the lab. This way they can find out exactly which organism or combination of organisms caused the onset on the disease. This will help majorly, in treating your pig with the appropriate course of antibiotics. If the vet is not open you can start treatment at home. In most states you can get over the counter antibiotics at the local feed stores, we use Tractor Supply or Southern States; just find something in the like. We recommend Amoxycillin, Ceftiofur, Penicillin, Tylan or Liquamycin, you will treat from 4-7 days. Because the pig may refuse water or feed, we recommend putting it in to a syringe and giving orally. You can use injectable antibiotics as well, anything broad spectrum will be better than nothing to start with, if a vet is unavailable on a holiday or weekend.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: ADM Alliance: http://www.admani.com/show%20feeds/Technical%20Information/Show%20Feeds%20Swine%20Pneumonia.htm
The Pig Site: http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/article/198/pneumonia
Symptoms: Sometimes when you finally notice the most classic symptoms of a respiratory disease, it can be too late. If your pig goes off it’s feed or water and shows no interest in food or has a classic depressed behavior, you should be on alert. Once the disease has progressed you may see coughing, fast breathing, discharge from the eyes, dehydration, a huddling/hunkering down behavior and fever. In piglets, pneumonia can come on very rapidly and cause death.
Cause: There are actually many organisms and conditions that can bring about pneumonia is swine, it is not caused by one specific bacteria/virus but usually a secondary infection. The organisms that can bring about pneumonia are as follows: Swine influenza virus, Respiratory Corona Virus, Mycoplasma hypopneumoniae (enzoonotic pneumonia), Salmonella choleraesuis, Homophiles parasuis (Gassers Disease) and Actinobacillus pleuropneumonia. Parasites can also bring about the onset of pneumonia when the pig is overloaded with them, this usually occurs with roundworms and lung worms; the parasites will lead the way for a secondary infection in the internal tissues.
There are a variety of reasons that a pig may suffer from pneumonia. Unclean environments, introducing new pigs to a heard, travel, high numbers of pigs, cold environments with high winds, low humidity, high dust and bacteria levels, poor nutrition, major dietary changes and housing with other pigs that may have another disease. The list is quite extensive, this is because there are many different viruses/bacteria and other medical conditions that can bring about the secondary infections, known broadly as pneumonia.
Treatment: We recommend setting up an appointment with your vet immediately if you suspect pneumonia in your pet pig. Although most broad spectrum antibiotics can help and treat pneumonia, it will be better for your vet to run a serology test in the lab. This way they can find out exactly which organism or combination of organisms caused the onset on the disease. This will help majorly, in treating your pig with the appropriate course of antibiotics. If the vet is not open you can start treatment at home. In most states you can get over the counter antibiotics at the local feed stores, we use Tractor Supply or Southern States; just find something in the like. We recommend Amoxycillin, Ceftiofur, Penicillin, Tylan or Liquamycin, you will treat from 4-7 days. Because the pig may refuse water or feed, we recommend putting it in to a syringe and giving orally. You can use injectable antibiotics as well, anything broad spectrum will be better than nothing to start with, if a vet is unavailable on a holiday or weekend.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: ADM Alliance: http://www.admani.com/show%20feeds/Technical%20Information/Show%20Feeds%20Swine%20Pneumonia.htm
The Pig Site: http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/article/198/pneumonia
Leptospirosis
Symptoms: There are many forms of leptospirosis and because of this there are many symptoms that may or may not be observed. It depends on what “specific type” of lepto the animal is affected with. It is not overly common in very young piglets but if the mother was infected prior to birth, it will result in abortion and still born piglets. Other symptoms include jaundice, pale skin, depression, not wanting to eat, inability to gain weight, blood in the urine, and possibly rapid death if the pig is severely infected. In mature or non pregnant pigs, the symptoms can actually go unnoticed. If carefully observed, the pig will most likely run a low grade fever.
Cause: Leptospirosis is a contagious disease of swine and many other animals, including humans. It is caused by infectious bacteria of any one of the eight pathogenic species (eight pertain to swine). It is difficult to diagnosis leptospirosis without running a serology test in the lab. If the pig is a sow that is being bred, a comprehensive history may be good enough to diagnosis. Infection can be brought in by reservoir hosts such as rats, mice and dogs. Uncleanliness is also another major factor. Contaminated water and poor drainage/inadequately cleaned surfaces can also spread the disease. The leptospira penetrate mucus membranes like the eyes, mouth, nose and vagina, in wounds, abrasions and skin that may be softened by excess water. The organisms then develop and circulate through the body and infect almost all major organs; many species will localize in the kidney or uterus.
Treatment: The most important treatment is actually prevention and control of leptospirosis, which can be difficult because you also need to control the spread by different hosts that may come on to the property. A good pest control and vaccination schedule, if you are in a geographic location that suffers from this disease, is important. At first sign antibiotics can also prove helpful. The most favorable antibiotic for lepto is tetracycline or oxytetracycline, semi-synthetic penicillin's can also be used. In more mature pigs they tend to improve and not have any lasting affects. Unfortunately, piglets tend to succumb and die quickly from the disease. Even with antibiotics, you must first find out which form of lepto is causing the infection, so you can treat with the appropriate antibiotic, as one may be better than another.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: The Pig Site: http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/
Symptoms: There are many forms of leptospirosis and because of this there are many symptoms that may or may not be observed. It depends on what “specific type” of lepto the animal is affected with. It is not overly common in very young piglets but if the mother was infected prior to birth, it will result in abortion and still born piglets. Other symptoms include jaundice, pale skin, depression, not wanting to eat, inability to gain weight, blood in the urine, and possibly rapid death if the pig is severely infected. In mature or non pregnant pigs, the symptoms can actually go unnoticed. If carefully observed, the pig will most likely run a low grade fever.
Cause: Leptospirosis is a contagious disease of swine and many other animals, including humans. It is caused by infectious bacteria of any one of the eight pathogenic species (eight pertain to swine). It is difficult to diagnosis leptospirosis without running a serology test in the lab. If the pig is a sow that is being bred, a comprehensive history may be good enough to diagnosis. Infection can be brought in by reservoir hosts such as rats, mice and dogs. Uncleanliness is also another major factor. Contaminated water and poor drainage/inadequately cleaned surfaces can also spread the disease. The leptospira penetrate mucus membranes like the eyes, mouth, nose and vagina, in wounds, abrasions and skin that may be softened by excess water. The organisms then develop and circulate through the body and infect almost all major organs; many species will localize in the kidney or uterus.
Treatment: The most important treatment is actually prevention and control of leptospirosis, which can be difficult because you also need to control the spread by different hosts that may come on to the property. A good pest control and vaccination schedule, if you are in a geographic location that suffers from this disease, is important. At first sign antibiotics can also prove helpful. The most favorable antibiotic for lepto is tetracycline or oxytetracycline, semi-synthetic penicillin's can also be used. In more mature pigs they tend to improve and not have any lasting affects. Unfortunately, piglets tend to succumb and die quickly from the disease. Even with antibiotics, you must first find out which form of lepto is causing the infection, so you can treat with the appropriate antibiotic, as one may be better than another.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: The Pig Site: http://www.thepigsite.com/pighealth/
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Swine Pox
Symptoms: Usually swine pox has a very quick onset and is characterized by skin eruptions of small pustules, that form on all aspects of the skin. However, it is more likely to see them on the ventral side (belly/bottom side) and in very soft tissue areas on the body, like under arms, legs and ears. Usually these lesions begin small and go unnoticed (1-3mm circular red spots). As the lesions mature and grow the crust or scabs that take the pustules place, will usually heal on their own with no incidence. All age groups can be affected but this disease is primarily seen in very young piglets from 3-6 weeks old. The very early stages of the disease may be accompanied by a low grade fever, lack of appetite and dull attitude and appearance.
Cause: Swine pox only appears in swine. It is a viral disease that is spread by insects, predominantly the hog louse (Haematopinus suis). It can also be spread by mosquitoes and biting flies. It is more common in areas where insect vectors are a major problem or concern. The virus is very resistant to the environment and can live in temperatures up to 99 degrees. The scabs on pigs can remain infective for up to a year.
Treatment: Very few pigs will ever die from uncomplicated swine pox. Because the disease resolves on its own and there is no treatment, the best course of action is prevention. To prevent the disease, it is recommended to use consistent pest control management systems in areas that are of great concern with these exact insect vectors.
Written by Jodi Register (2015)
References: Iowa University, Vet Article: http://vetmed.iastate.edu/vdpam/new-vdpam-employees/food-supply-veterinary-medicine/swine/swine-diseases/pox-swine-pox
Merck Vet Manuals: http://www.merckmanuals.com/vet/integumentary_system/pox_diseases/swinepox.html
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