Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae cause widespread welfare harms in pig farming, with prevention programs dramatically reducing suffering.
Respiratory disease in pigs causes chronic welfare compromise through breathing difficulty, fever, reduced appetite, and persistent discomfort over weeks to months. The scale of PRRS and Mycoplasma disease means millions of pigs simultaneously experience welfare harms from these infections across affected regions. Prevention through biosecurity, vaccination, and disease elimination programs represents the most impactful welfare intervention. Staff training to recognize respiratory disease early and implement prompt treatment reduces suffering duration in affected herds.