Farm Animals

Pig Respiratory Disease: Welfare and Prevention

Respiratory disease is a major cause of suffering and economic loss in pig production, with prevention centred on biosecurity, vaccination, and housing quality.

Key Facts

Respiratory disease affects approximately 30-50% of pigs in intensive production systems
Enzootic pneumonia (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae) is the most economically significant respiratory pathogen
Poor ventilation and high ammonia levels in pig housing predispose to respiratory disease
Vaccination programmes significantly reduce disease incidence and severity when properly implemented

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes chronic suffering for affected pigs - including coughing, laboured breathing, and reduced appetite. Prevention through improved housing, ventilation, and biosecurity serves both welfare and economic interests and is achievable in most production systems.

What You Can Do

Support pork producers demonstrating effective respiratory disease prevention programmes
Advocate for minimum ventilation and air quality standards in pig welfare regulations
Engage with veterinary organisations developing respiratory disease management guidelines