Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Mastitis Prevention and Management

Mastitis in sows is a painful udder infection that compromises both the sow's welfare and the survival of suckling piglets.

Key Facts

Mastitis most often occurs around farrowing and is caused by bacteria including E. coli and Streptococcus spp.
Affected sows show swollen, hot, painful udders and may refuse to let piglets nurse
MMA syndrome (mastitis, metritis, agalactia) is a common postpartum complex causing significant losses
Pen hygiene, body condition management, and colostrum quality are key prevention factors
Early antibiotic treatment and anti-inflammatory medication reduce suffering and piglet mortality

Welfare Considerations

Mastitis causes acute pain and distress in sows. Piglets dependent on an affected sow face starvation and hypothermia if nursing is interrupted. Both welfare impacts are severe and preventable through proactive farm management. Farms with high mastitis rates should review farrowing pen design, hygiene protocols, and sow nutrition.

What You Can Do

Clean and disinfect farrowing pens thoroughly before each litter
Monitor sow body condition throughout gestation and provide adequate fibre in the pre-farrowing diet
Check udders daily after farrowing for heat, swelling, or reduced milk production
Treat affected sows promptly and provide supplemental nutrition to piglets when necessary