Farm Animal Welfare

Farm Pig: Respiratory Disease Prevention

Porcine respiratory disease is one of the most costly and welfare-significant disease complexes in pig production, requiring integrated prevention strategies.

Key Facts

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) involves multiple pathogens acting together
App, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and influenza viruses are key primary pathogens
Clinical signs include coughing, breathing difficulty, fever, and reduced growth
Vaccination, biosecurity, and housing management are the pillars of prevention
PRDC causes significant pain, discomfort, and in severe cases death

Welfare Considerations

PRDC causes acute respiratory discomfort and pain that significantly impairs welfare in affected pigs. The chronic form causes persistent low-grade disease throughout the finishing period. Prevention through vaccination of sows and piglets, maintaining biosecurity, and providing good housing with adequate ventilation reduces incidence substantially. Early treatment of affected animals with appropriate antibiotics and pain relief is essential.

What You Can Do

Implement vaccination against key respiratory pathogens based on veterinary advice
Ensure adequate ventilation and avoid overstocking in pig housing
Observe pigs twice daily for respiratory signs, particularly during high-risk periods
Have a treatment protocol in place before disease occurs
Record respiratory mortality and treatment rates as welfare indicators