For pig farmers to be successful, they need to keep their animals healthy. Below are symptoms, treatments, and preventative measures for some of the most common diseases that farmers should watch out for in pre-weaning, post-weaning, and in breeding animals.
EXUDATIVE DERMATITIS (GREASY PIG)
COCCIDIOSIS
RESPIRATORY DISEASES
SWINE DYSENTERY
EXUDATIVE DERMATITIS (GREASY PIG)
Symptoms
- Skin lesions (caused by a bacterial infection) which are dark at first and then spread and become flaky with a greasy feel.
Treatment and Prevention
- Use antibiotics, autogenous vaccines and skin protectants
- Improving hygiene, teat dipping and reducing the potential for skin abrasions (points of entry for the disease)
COCCIDIOSIS
Symptoms
- Diarrhea which can be bloody (often between 10 to 21 days of age and up to 15 weeks of age
Treatment and Prevention
- Use of fluid therapy and coccidiostats
- Improving hygiene (warm, dry, and clean) to slow down infections
RESPIRATORY DISEASES
Symptoms
Coughing, sneezing, abdominal breathing, reduced growth rates and mortality
Treatment and Prevention
- Antibiotics and vaccines may be given in feed, water or as an injectable.
- Improve ventilation
SWINE DYSENTERY
Symptoms
- Diarrhea, reduced growth rates, and sudden deaths
Treatment
- Antibiotics, improving hygiene, and reducing stock density