11/01/2026
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Common Diseases in Pigs
Pigs are prone to various diseases that can reduce growth, reproduction, and profitability. Understanding these diseases, their symptoms, prevention, and control is critical for successful pig farming.
1. African Swine Fever (ASF)
* Cause: Virus
* Symptoms: High fever, loss of appetite, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, red or purple skin patches, sudden death
* Prevention: No vaccine available. Practice strict biosecurity, avoid contact with infected pigs, disinfect pens, and control movement of pigs and pork products.
2. Classical Swine Fever (Hog Cholera)
* Cause: Virus
* Symptoms: Fever, skin redness, diarrhea, coughing, reduced appetite, high mortality in piglets
* Prevention: Vaccination, biosecurity, and avoiding contact with infected pigs.
3. Porcine Respiratory Disease Complex (PRDC)
* Cause: Bacterial and viral infections
* Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, labored breathing, poor growth
* Prevention: Good ventilation, avoid overcrowding, proper nutrition, vaccination programs where available.
4. Swine Dysentery
* Cause: Bacteria (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae)
* Symptoms: Bloody diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration, reduced feed intake
* Prevention: Proper sanitation, clean water, rodent control, and medicated feed as prescribed by a veterinarian.
5. Erysipelas (Diamond Skin Disease)
* Cause: Bacteria (Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae)
* Symptoms: Skin lesions (red or purple), fever, joint pain, sudden death in adults
* Prevention: Vaccination, good hygiene, and prompt treatment with antibiotics.
6. Mange (Sarcoptic Mange)**
* Cause: Mites (Sarcoptes scabiei)
* Symptoms: Intense itching, hair loss, thickened skin, poor growth
* Prevention: Maintain clean housing, treat infected pigs with acaricides, and treat the environment.
7. Swine Influenza
* Cause: Virus
* Symptoms: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, fever, reduced appetite
* Prevention: Biosecurity, vaccination, and isolating sick pigs.
8. Porcine Parvovirus (PPV)
* Cause: Virus
* Symptoms: Stillbirths, mummified fetuses, infertility in sows
* Prevention: Vaccination before breeding, good hygiene, and proper herd management.
9. Gastrointestinal Parasites
* Cause: Worms such as Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis
* Symptoms: Poor growth, diarrhea, anemia, pot-bellied appearance
* Prevention: Regular deworming, clean pens, proper feed storage, and avoiding wet floors.
10. Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD)
* Cause: Virus
* Symptoms: Fever, blisters in mouth and feet, lameness, reduced appetite
* Prevention: Vaccination, strict biosecurity, and avoiding contact with infected animals.
Key Management Practices for Disease Control
* Maintain clean, dry, and well-ventilated housing
* Quarantine new pigs before introducing them to the herd
* Vaccinate pigs according to local veterinary recommendations
* Provide a balanced diet and clean water
* Monitor pigs daily and isolate sick animals
* Control rodents, wild pigs, and visitors to reduce disease spread
Proper disease management protects pig health, ensures high growth and reproduction rates, and reduces financial losses. Early detection and prompt action save both pigs and costs.