Respiratory disease complex in pigs, driven by poor ventilation, high stocking density, and multiple pathogens, causes significant pain and mortality in commercial systems.
Key Facts
Enzootic pneumonia from Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae affects the majority of commercial pigs
Co-infection with PRRSV, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, and influenza worsens outcomes
Air quality including ammonia levels above 10ppm causes respiratory irritation and damage
Vaccines and antibiotic treatment reduce severity but seldom eliminate infection
Ventilation design and stocking density are the most modifiable welfare factors
Welfare Considerations
Respiratory disease causes chronic pain and distress in millions of pigs. Addressing air quality and stocking density prevents suffering more effectively than reactive treatment.
What You Can Do
Monitor ventilation and ammonia levels as welfare indicators in pig housing
Support certification requiring air quality standards in pig housing
Raise awareness of respiratory disease as a major but underreported pig welfare problem
Advocate for stocking density standards linked to disease and welfare outcomes