Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Respiratory Disease Complex and Welfare

Porcine respiratory disease complex is the most economically important disease in commercial pig production and a major cause of animal welfare harm.

Key Facts

PRDC is caused by multiple pathogens acting synergistically including PRRSV and Mycoplasma
Poor ventilation, high stocking density and mixing stress predispose pigs to respiratory disease
Clinical signs include coughing, laboured breathing, reduced growth and increased mortality
Vaccination programmes reduce severity but do not eliminate disease in high-challenge environments
Improved housing ventilation is the most effective non-pharmaceutical intervention

Welfare Considerations

PRDC causes chronic respiratory distress that significantly reduces quality of life for affected pigs. The condition is both a welfare and a production indicator of housing and management quality. Addressing root causes through ventilation, stocking density and biosecurity delivers better welfare than vaccination alone.

What You Can Do

Support pig farms with documented ventilation standards and respiratory disease monitoring
Advocate for housing welfare standards that address PRDC risk factors
Choose certified pork from farms demonstrating low respiratory disease prevalence