Diseases

App (Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, pleuropneumonia)

Pleuropneumonia is a disease of bacterial origin with a high respiratory impact. The production of toxins can often cause sudden death with nasal hemorrhage.

Actinobacillosis (Actinobacillus suis, Actinobacillus equuli)

Actinobacillosis is caused by a systemic bacteria that affects many farms that have high health issues causing arthritis, pneumonia, or skin discoloration in animals of all ages.

Anthrax (Bacillus anthracis)

Anthrax in pigs is relatively rare and it may occur as sudden death. It can also take other forms of presentation, depending on the location of the infection: pharynx anthrax, intestinal anthrax or systemic anthrax. It is very critical to carry out a necropsy in the field because the environment can get contaminated with the spores. Anthrax is a zoonotic disease.

Atrophic Rhinitis (Progressive Atrophic Rhinitis, PAR)

Rhinitis is inflammation of the tissues inside the nose where the nose may become distorted (atrophy).

Bordetelosis (Bordetella bronchiseptica)

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium that can cause fever or pneumonia in pigs. If there are not complications, and without the presence of toxigenic Pasteurella multocida type D, the disease has little clinical or economic consequences.

Botulism (Clostridium botulinum)

Toxins produced by Clostridium botulinum cause progressive flaccid paralysis, but pigs are very resistant to the toxin.

Brucellosis

Brucellosis is a disease of bacterial origin with negative impact on reproduction performance. It causes testes inflammation and abortions. It is a zoonotic disease of significant importance.

Campylobacter (Campylobacter, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter hyointestinalis, Campylobacter mucosalis)

The Campylobacter infection, although it is usually subclinical, mainly affects piglets causing diarrhea.

Clostridium difficile (Clostridial diseases)

Clostridium difficile disease is characterized by diarrhea in piglets within first of a few hours of birth.

Clostridium novyi (Clostridial diseases, gas gangrene, clostridial cellulitis)

Clostridium novyi disease is characterized by gangrene and / or cellulitis with sudden death.

Clostridium perfringens (Clostridial diseases, Clostridium perfringens type A, Clostridium perfringens type C, necrotic enteritis)

Diseases caused by Clostridium perfringens appear as a chronic or acute enteritis in piglets. In some cases in growing and adult animals you can also have a disease characterized by gangrene and / or cellulite with sudden death.

Colibacillosis (E. coli Diarrhea)

Diarrhea by E. coli affects mainly lactating piglets, causing high mortality.

Colitis (Spirochaetal colitis, porcine intestinal spirochaetosis, non-dysenteric colitis, Brachyspira pilosicoli)

Colitis is an infection of the large intestine mainly in pigs from 6 to 14 weeks of age. This is characterized by diarrhea without blood and with few or no mucus.

Edema disease (E. coli, post-weaning diarrhea, Bowel edema)

The Edema disease happens during the weaning period and it is characterized by a E. coli K88 (F4) or F18 producing a very strong vascular toxin inducing sudden death, edema and/or nervous signs.

Enzootic Pneumonia (EP) (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae)

The main issue associated with M. hyopneumoniae infections is chronic respiratory disease. This pathogen usually amplifies the severity of other infections, including flu and PRRS.

Erysipela

Erysipelas is a systemic bacterial disease characterized by diamond shaped skin lesions and arthritis in its chronic forms.

Exudative Epidermitis (Staphylococcus hyicus, Greasy pig disease)

Caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus hyicus, which invades damaged skin, causing cutaneous infection with eczema or humid dermatitis in lactating piglets and weaners.

Glässer disease (Glaesserella parasuis, formerly Haemophilus parasuis)

The Glässer disease is caused by a bacteria called Glaesserella parasuis, which causes polyserositis and sporadic arthritis in piglets and growers.

Ileitis (Lawsonia intracellularis, porcine intestinal adenopathy (PIA), necrotic enteritis (NI), hosepipe gut)

The disease has three different presentations: porcine intestinal adenopathy (PIA), an abnormal proliferation of the intestinal mucosa; necrotic enteritis (NI), where the proliferated cells of the small intestine die and get detached with a gross thickening of the small intestine (hosepipe gut); and acute hemorrhagic ileitis,an hyper-acute inflammation which causes massive bleeding.

Leptospirosis (Leptospira interrogans, Leptospira borgpetersenii, pomona, icterohaemorrhagiae, canicola, bratislava, serjoe, tarassovi)

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by a bacterium that has affinity for kidneys and genital tracts. Can also cause reproductive problems.

Listeriosis (Listeria monocytogenes )

Listeriosis is a rare systemic bacterial disease that can cause septicemia in piglets and can also cause reproductive problems in sows.

Mycoplasma arthritis (Mycoplasma hyosynoviae, Mycoplasma hyorhinis)

Mycoplasma hyosynoviae and M. hyorhinis are present in most farms and cause arthritis in swine.

Mycoplasma suis (Eperythrozoonosis, Eperythrozoon suis, Mycoplasma suis, Mycoplasma suis)

Mycoplasma suis causes anemia and agalactia in swine. Formerly referred as Eperythrozoonosis disease.

Pasteurellosis (Pasteurella multocida typeA)

Pasteurella multocida is usually the cause of pneumonia as secondary infection to another respiratory pathogen (enzootic pneumonia, PRRS, flu)

Postpartum Agalactia Syndrome (Mastitis, metritis, agalactia, MMA, PPAS)

This pathology consists of inflammation of the udder (mastitis) and inflammation of reproductive tract (metritis) resulting in a poor milk release or reduction of its production (Agalactia).

Salmonellosis (salmonellosis)

Salmonellosis is an important bacterial disease in swine for its capacity to produce food intoxication in humans. Clinically, Salmonellosis appears as diarrhea, systemic disease or pneumonia.

Streptococcal infections (Streptococcus suis, Streptococcus equisimilis, Streptococcus porcinus)

Streptococcus suis is the most important streptococcus of pigs causing pneumonia, septicemia, arthritis and encephalitis in pigs and is also of great public importance for its zoonotic potential.

Swine dysentery (Brachyspira hyodysenteriae)

Swine dysentery is caused by a spirochete called Brachyspira and causes severe inflammation in the large intestine producing bloody and mucous diarrhea.

Tetanus (Clostridium tetani )

Clostridium tetani produces toxins that affect the central nervous system causing hypersensitivity, stiffness in legs and muscles, and opisthotonos.

Tuberculosis (TB, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Mycobacterium avium, Mycobacterium bovis)

Swine tuberculosis is rare today, but the most common is the Mycobacterium avium complex. Its importance lies in the fact that it causes nodules in the lymph nodes in the neck that result in the confiscation of carcasses in the slaughterhouse.

Yersinia infection (Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Yersinia enterocolitica)

The Yersinia infection is usually subclinical although weaning piglets may have diarrhea.

African swine fever (ASF)

African swine fever is one of the most important viral diseases in pigs. It is a systemic disease and is notifiable on most countries.

Aujeszky's disease (Pseudorabies (PRV))

The Aujeszky's disease is caused by a virus that can remain latent and causes respiratory, reproductive and nervous problems.

Blue eye disease (blue eye disease, BE, paramyxovirus)

It is a viral disease that produces nervous symptoms, reproductive failure and corneal opacity that develops a bluish color.

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (Border Disease Virus, BDV, Border disease)

Disease caused by two pestiviruses in the same group as the swine fever virus. These viruses mainly affect cattle and sheep, but can enter pig farms causing reproductive problems.

Classical Swine Fever (CSF)

Classical swine fever is one of the most important viral diseases in pigs. It is a systemic disease and it is notifiable in most countries.

Delta coronavirus (Deltacoroavirus, Delta corona virus )

The diarrhea caused by deltacoronavirus is similar to porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED) but at a very low severity.

Ebola Reston virus (Ebola, Ebola Reston, Ebolavirus, REBOV)

Ebola is a very significant infection in humans. Of the five species of Ebola virus, Ebola Reston virus does not infect humans but can infect pigs.

Encephalomyocarditis (EMC)

Infection caused by Encephalomyocarditis virus, found globally. Usually it is of no clinical importance, but there are some myocarditis cases with high mortality or reproductive problems.

Enteroviruses (picornavirus, SMEDI)

Swine enterovirus are found in the intestine, although their clinical significance is questionable.

Foot-and-mouth disease

Foot-and-mouth disease is one of the most important vesicular diseases.

Hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis (Haemagglutinating encephalomyelitis, Vomiting and Wasting Disease, VWD, HEV)

Hemagglutinating encephalomyelitis disease only affects pigs less than 4 weeks old and is characterized by vomiting and wasting.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV)

Hepatitis E has been identified in pigs with uncertain clinical significance, but it is a very important viral infection in humans, mostly seen in third world countries of Asia and Africa.

Influenza (Porcine Influenza, influenza typeA)

Influenza is a respiratory disease of high importance due to its fast transmission and zoonotic potential.

Japanese B Encephalitis

Japanese B encephalitis is caused by a virus found in South Asia, it is transmitted by mosquitos and presents as reproductive problems.

Nipah virus disease (paramyxovirus)

The Nipah virus is zoonotic causing respiratory disease in pigs and mild to severe symptoms or even death in humans.

PRRS (Porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome, Blue ear disease)

The Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) is the viral infection with the highest economical impact in North America and many European countries. The virus causes reproductive problems and affects the respiratory system.

Parainfluenza (PPIV1)

Porcine Parainfluenza virus type-1 is a novel agent suspected of causing mild respiratory disease in pigs.

Porcine circovirosis (Porcine circovirosis type 2 (PCV2), PMWS,(PDNS)

Porcine circovirus is caused by porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) and has a huge economical impact. Clinically it is presented as a disease which deteriorates animals from the weaning to the finishing period producing a high mortality rate. It also causes dermatitis and nephropathia with high mortality.

Porcine cytomegalovirus (Porcine cytomegalovirus infection, PCMV, inclusion bodies rhinitis)

Cytomegalovirus is common and its consequences are often insignificant; it is characterized by rhinitis which causes sneezing.

Porcine epidemic diarrhea (PED)

Porcine epidemic diarrhea is caused by a coronavirus leading to vomiting and diarrhea with mortality up to 100% within susceptible piglets under 2 weeks of age.

Porcine parvovirus infection (PPV)

Parvovirus affects mainly non-vaccinated primiparous sows, causing reproductive problems such as mummies.

Porcine respiratory coronavirus (Porcine respiratory coronavirus infection)

Porcine respiratory coronavirus is usually not of clinical importance, but seems to produce antibodies that protect against viral transmissible gastroenteritis.

Rabies (hydrophobia)

Rabies is a rare viral disease in pigs.

Rotavirus infection (Rotavirus, rotavirosis)

Rotavirus infections present clinically as diarrhea in nursing piglets or in the first 2 weeks after weaning

Senecavirus A (seneca virus A, SVA, seneca valley virus, SVV, idiopathic vesicular disease)

Vesicular disease is indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease. Senecavirus A can also cause high transient mortality in piglets up to 7 days of age.

Swine pox (poxvirus smallpox)

Swine smallpox is a vesicular condition caused by a virus and is mainly transmitted through lice.

Swine vesicular disease (EVP)

Swine vesicular disease is not common, but its importance is based on its clinical presentation indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease. (FMD).

Teschen disease (Teschen disease, Talfan disease, benign enzootic paresis, poliomyelitis suum, Teschovirus encephalomyelitis, Teschen / Talfan)

Commonly Teschovirus. Does not produce clinical cases, but there are very virulent strains that affect the central nervous system.

Torque teno sus virus (Torque teno virus, TTV)

In pigs, torque teno virus was initially associated with the wasting syndrome related to circovirus but today its importance is unknown.

Transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE)

Transmissible gastroenteritis is a very important and highly infectious disease in pigs, with severe impact in reproduction, where diarrhea can cause a 100% mortality in piglets younger than 2 weeks of age.

Vesicular exanthema

Vesicular exanthema is clinically indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease and therefore is of great importance.

Vesicular stomatitis (VSVs)

Vesicular stomatitis produces a disease clinically indistinguishable from foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and therefore is of great importance.

Ascariasis (Large round worm, Ascaris suum)

Ascaris suum is the most significant intestinal parasite worldwide as it causes great economic loss.

Coccidiosis (Isospora suis, Cryptosporidium)

The Coccidiosis disease is caused by intracellular protozoan parasites causing mainly diarrhea in piglets.

Cryptosporidiosis (Cryptosporidium suis, Cryptosporidium parvum)

Cryptosporidium are parasites similar to coccidia parasites and can also cause diarrhea.

Lice infestation (Louse, Porcine Pediculosis, Haematopinus suis)

Haematopinus suis is the pig louse which can cause anemia, and is the main route of swinepox transmission.

Mange (Sarcoptic mange, Sarcoptes scabiei, scabies)

Mange is a skin disease caused by an external parasite (mite) which is characterized by severe swelling which affects pig growth.

Metastrongylosis (Lungworm infestation, Metastrongylus spp)

Pneumonia caused by Metastrongylus spp worms is found worldwide, especially in pigs raised outdoors.

Red stomach worm (Hyostrongylus rubidus)

The red stomach worm can cause gastritis.

Toxoplasmosis (Toxoplasma gondii)

Toxoplasmosis infection is usually subclinical but is very significant due to its zoonotic potential

Trichinellosis (pork worm, Trichinella spiralis, Trichinella spp, Trichinosis, trichiniasis)

Trichinella is an infection with no clinical signs, but is of great zoonotic importance.

Trichuriasis (whip worm, whipworm, Trichuris suis)

Trichuris suis (whip worm) is a parasite of the large intestine that causes diarrhea in growing pigs.

Biotin deficiency

Biotin deficiency is rare, but it may take the form of skin condition or lameness with hair loss and / or cracks in hooves.

Iron deficiency anemia

Causes of anemia are several, but its clinical form is especially seen in piglets causing paleness and affecting its growth.

Mulberry heart disease (Vitamin E deficiency, Selenium deficiency)

Vitamin E or selenium deficiency presents with sudden death in recently weaned piglets.

Osteoporosis, ricketts, Vit D deficiency

Osteoporosis is caused by a lack of calcium, phosphorus, or vitamin D, which causes weak bones prone to fractures.

Aflatoxicosis (Mycotoxins, aflatoxin, Aspergillus)

Aflatoxins are mycotoxins that are produced during drought periods and are very important because they are carcinogenic. They cause a reduction in protein synthesis that affects pig growth and weakens their immune system.

Ergotism (Mycotoxins, ergotism, ergotoxins, intoxication with ergot, Claviceps purpurea)

At low levels, the toxins produced by ergot cause reduced growth. Present in substantial amounts, they produce gangrene in extremities and ear and tail necrosis.

Fumonisin toxicosis (Mycotoxin, fumonisin, pulmonary edema, Fusarium moniliform, Fusarium proliferatum)

Fumonisin is a very potent mycotoxin that causes pulmonary edema with high mortality.

Ionophore toxicity (narasin toxicity)

Ionophore toxicity is rare in pigs, but when it occurs, it affects skeletal muscle and may present neurological, respiratory, or locomotive symptoms, making for a challenging diagnosis.

Salt poisoning (Water deprivation)

Salt poisoning is common; it is related to the unavailability of water and it affects the central nervous system.

Vomitoxicosis (Micotoxins, vomitoxin, DON, Deoxynivalenol, Fusarium)

Vomitoxin is a mycotoxin that causes reduced feed intake, resulting in slow growth.

Zearalenone toxicosis (Micotoxins, zearalenone, F-2 toxin, ZEA, Fusarium graminearum, Fusarium roseum)

It is an estrogenic toxin that appears in corn and is produced by Fusarium graminearum, which requires high levels of moisture for its replication and toxin production.

Atresia ani (Atresia of the anus, no anus, no rectum)

Anal atresia is a congenital condition in which piglets are born without the outer hole of the rectum. These pigs have an abdomen that increases in size with age. The condition is difficult to repair and therefore these piglets must be euthanized.

Congenital Tremor (Piglets with tremors)

Sporadic disease in which tremors are observed in newborn piglets. They appear at birth and are reduced with age.

Epitheliogenesis imperfecta (aplasia cutis, imperfect skin)

Congenital condition in which the piglet is born with the absence of discrete areas of skin. It is rare.

Frostbite

Result of skin and superficial tissue necrosis due to low temperatures.

Gastric ulcers

Gastric ulcers are common and are characterized by pale, anemic pigs with bloody feces.

Hemorrhagic bowel syndrome (HBS)

The cause of hemorrhagic bowel syndrome in pigs is unknown, but it results in sudden death.

Hernias

Among the many congenital abnormalities, umbilical or inguinal hernias are the most common. They are considered developmental defects and have a very low heritability.

Osteochondrosis

Osteochondrosis is a non-infectious condition that causes lameness in fast-growing animals.

Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a noncontagious dermatitis present in young pigs 3-16 weeks old.

Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS)

Porcine periweaning failure to thrive syndrome (PFTS) is a clinical condition characterized by anorexia, lethargy, and progressive debilitation of pigs occurring within the first three weeks after weaning.

Porcine stress syndrome (PSS, malignant hyperthermia, PSE, halothane gene)

Porcine stress syndrome is a genetic condition that causes sudden death and pale, soft, exudative muscle (PSE) resulting in dark, dry, tough meat.

Rectal prolapse (Prolapse of the rectum)

The eversion of the rectum.

Rectal stricture (Rectal constriction or narrowing)

Rectal constriction or narrowing is a frequent pathology considered as a consequence of rectal prolapse.

Shoulder ulcers

Shoulder ulcers occur in sows with low body condition and are detrimental to their welfare.

Splay leg (abduction of the legs syndrome, splayed legs disease)

This is a condition in which the newborn piglet is unable to keep its legs together.

Sunburn

Sunburns occur especially in white pigs housed outdoors.

Thrombocytopaenic purpura (bleeding)

Thrombocytopenia purpura is a rare disease seen in piglets 7-21 days old characterized by the failure for blood to coagulate normally.

Torsion of the stomach and the intestines (Twisted gut)

Torsion of the stomach or of the small intestine is common and causes sudden death.

Uterine Prolapse (Prolapse of the uterus)

Consists of the partial or complete eversion of one or both uterine horns.

Vaginal and cervical prolapse (Vaginal prolapse)

Prolapse of the vagina and cervix often occurs during the last third of gestation, including immediately after farrowing.

E-diagnostics

E-diagnostics

Pig disease diagnostic tool. Select the age and the most relevant signs observed and you’ll get the conditions that can potentially cause them along with their description. This tool should only be used as a guide.

Atlas of pathology

Atlas of pathology

This atlas of swine pathology features images of major diseases and aims to be an eminently visual and very useful tool for diagnosis. You can filter images by location and disease.