by Diane Jaramillo

Created on: June 28, 2009

Pneumonia in pigs can be caused by several factors. Viruses, bacteria, and parasites all can cause pneumonia. The cause of the disease usually determines the severity.

Pneumonia is basically an inflammation of the lungs. The most common symptoms are coughing, dehydration, fever, and shallow, rapid breathing (called thumping). Nasal discharge, sometimes bloody, can also occur. Occasionally, death can be a 'symptom', when it seems that a pen of pigs is fine one day and then the next day one of them is dead.

One of the bacteria that causes pneumonia in pigs is Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae. This bacteria can be transmitted from mother to pig or from piglet to piglet. It usually occurs between 6 to 10 weeks of age and is present in almost all swine herds. Death is rarely caused by this form of pneumonia.

Another bacteria that causes a more serious form of pneumonia is Actinobacillus Pleuropneumoniae (APP) types 1 and 5. This bacteria is transmitted from pig to pig, usually via nasal discharge (sometimes bloody), and appears when the piglets are between 8 and 26 weeks of age.

A viral form of pneumonia is caused by the Swine Influenza Virus. This occurs mainly during the colder months of fall and winter. Death is rare, but because of hard coughing, this type of pneumonia can also results in rectal prolapse of the pigs.

Other factors can contribute to infection such as overcrowding, stress, dust, etc. All of these combine to lower the immunity of the pigs and make them susceptible to infection. Pneumonia may also be a secondary infection. Pigs, like other animals, are more likely to develop pneumonia after a system shock such as castration, injury, or another illness.

Prevention is the key to effective treatment of this disease. Keeping the areas clean and disease free is probably 75% of the battle. Good hygiene including dust control, temperature control, and adequate air flow are essential to keeping pigs healthy.

In the event of an infection, antibiotics are important. Not only do they treat the pneumonia caused by a bacteria, they can prevent secondary infections as well. Antibiotics are most effective if given via injection; however, they may be administered in feed, water, or by supplements such as pastes, etc.

Vaccinations are important as well. Sows may be vaccinated at any time. Piglets are usually vaccinated between 4 and 6 weeks old. It is very important to maintain a regular vaccination schedule so there is no opportunity for the immunity to wear off.

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