Farm Animal Welfare

Pig Respiratory Disease and Housing Ventilation

Respiratory disease is endemic in many pig production systems and is strongly linked to inadequate ventilation, high stocking density, and poor air quality.

Key Facts

Enzootic pneumonia caused by Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is almost universal in commercial pigs
High ammonia levels impair respiratory mucosal immunity
All-in all-out management significantly reduces respiratory disease transmission
Partial depopulation leaves reservoirs of infection for new batches
Improved ventilation reduces pneumonia lesion scores at slaughter by 40-60%

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes chronic discomfort, impaired breathing, and reduced welfare in affected pigs. The housing and management conditions that promote disease are preventable, making respiratory disease welfare largely within producer control. Improved ventilation and biosecurity are among the highest-impact welfare interventions in intensive pig production.

What You Can Do

Support minimum ventilation standards in pig housing regulations
Advocate for all-in all-out management as standard practice
Choose pork certified under welfare schemes that include health monitoring