Non-toxin-producing strains of Pasteurella multocidia bacteria are commonly involved in respiratory disease in pigs. They can cause pneumonia in their own right but are usually secondary opportunist invaders associated with primary EP or PRRS infections. The condition usually affects pigs between 10 and 18 weeks of age and rarely sows and sucking pigs unless as secondary bacteria following the introduction of a new pathogen..
Symptoms
Sows & Piglets
- Rare
Weaners & Growers
Acute disease is characterised by:
- Severe sudden pneumonia affecting all the lung tissue.
- High temperatures.
- Discharges from the nose.
- High mortality.
- Pigs show rapid breathing.
- Blue discoloured skin particularly on the extremities of the ears (caused by toxins or heart sac infections).
Sub acute disease is characterised by:
- Pneumonia which is less severe but often complicated by heart sac inflammation and pleurisy.
- Coughing.
- Discharges from the nose.
- Emaciation. Poor body condition / wasting.
- Increased mortality.
Causes / Contributing factors
- Concurrent disease such as PRRS, Flu and EP predispose.
Diagnosis
This is carried out by post-mortem examination and isolation of the organism from the lungs.
Penis Bleeding
This is a relatively common condition, the boar at mating passes fresh blood into the vagina.
Symptoms
Boar
- Blood around vulva post service.
- Blood in semen.
- Blood around the prepuce and skin.
- No generalised illness.
- Sudden onset.
- Haemorrhage only occurs at mating.
Sows, Piglets, Weaners & Growers
- N/A
Causes / contributing factors
- Damaged penis.
- Ulceration of the urethra.
- Haemorrhage from accessory glands.
- Haemorrhage from the preputial sac.
- Trauma to the penis from sows or boars in outdoor mating.
Diagnosis
This is made from the clinical symptoms.