How to combat common pig diseases
What you need to know:
- According to Annette Kabasindi an agronomist and farmer based in Masindi District, farmers rearing pigs should regularly check the health of their pigs because diseases can wipe out the entire herd, writes Beatrice Nakibuuka.
In order for pig producers to be successful, keeping their animals healthy is key. To do that, it is essential to know about diseases that may occur in the herd.
All staff working with the pigs should be able to spot the symptoms of common diseases and alert the manager or veterinarian, as appropriate.
Exudative dermatitis (greasy pig)
The symptoms of this disease are skin lesions, caused by an infection of the bacteria Staphlococcus hyicus. In severe cases, mortality can occur, as the bacteria damage the liver and kidneys.
Lesions first present as dark areas of skin, which spread and become flaky with a greasy feel. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Improving hygiene in piglet housing is key to preventing this condition, along with teat dipping of sows pre- and post-farrowing.
Coccidiosis
This disease is very common in suckling piglets and is caused by three types of the intracellular parasite coccidia.
It causes diarrhoea, which can be bloody, often between 10 and 21 days of age and up to 15 weeks of age.
Acute cases are treated with kepro sulpha inj, prococ or adacox or via feed grade with anticoccidiostat. Secondary infections can result from damage to the intestinal wall.
Depending on the level of occurrence on the farm, preventative treatment of sows with coccidiostats may be appropriate.
Hygiene should be improved to end the cycle of infection; sow feces are a major source, and flies can spread infection.
Providing a warm, dry, clean creep area will help to reduce the parasite load and the likelihood of coccidial infection.
Respiratory diseases
Coughing, sneezing, abdominal breathing, reduced growth rates and potentially mortality are all signs of respiratory disease.
Depending on the cause, antibiotics may be given in feed, water or as an injectable with kepro tylosan inj.
Infective agents include Streptococcus suis and Pasteurella.
Farm should know that overcrowded and dusty housing are predisposing factors for respiratory disease, along with the presence of PRRS virus.
Additional information from Piggery Farming
