Respiratory disease is a major welfare and production concern in commercial pig farming. Prevention through housing, ventilation, and vaccination significantly reduces suffering.
Respiratory disease in commercial pig herds causes widespread, often subclinical suffering that significantly impacts welfare quality of life. Pigs with Mycoplasma pneumonia experience chronic coughing, reduced lung function, lethargy, and reduced feed intake. The causes are primarily environmental: poor ventilation creating ammonia, dust, and pathogen accumulation; high stocking density enabling rapid transmission; and temperature fluctuations stressing the respiratory system. Prevention requires adequate ventilation design, appropriate stocking density, all-in all-out management to break transmission cycles, and vaccination programs. Good respiratory health in a herd requires investment in building design and management — paying dividends in both welfare and production outcomes.