Pig Chronic Respiratory Disease Welfare in Commercial Production

Chronic respiratory disease (enzootic pneumonia, PRRS, influenza) is one of the most significant welfare problems in commercial pig production, causing prolonged suffering and high treatment costs.

Key Facts

Enzootic pneumonia (Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae) is the most prevalent respiratory pathogen in pigs
PRRS virus causes reproductive failure and respiratory disease with high economic and welfare impact
Pig respiratory disease complex involves multiple pathogens acting synergistically
Chronic respiratory disease causes persistent coughing, reduced growth, and secondary complications
High health status herds with reduced pathogen exposure show substantially better welfare outcomes

Welfare Considerations

Chronic pig respiratory disease causes prolonged welfare compromise through persistent coughing, dyspnoea, fever, and the systemic effects of chronic infection. Pigs with chronic enzootic pneumonia experience months of reduced respiratory function affecting their ability to feed, move, and engage in normal behaviour. PRRS causes acute severe illness in susceptible herds with high mortality in neonates and significant morbidity in growing pigs. Improving biosecurity to reduce pathogen introduction, vaccination programmes, and air filtration in high-health herds represent welfare-positive investments that simultaneously reduce production losses.

What You Can Do

Implement comprehensive biosecurity protocols to prevent introduction of respiratory pathogens
Vaccinate against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and PRRS in susceptible herd populations
Monitor respiratory health using validated cough scoring systems during production
Maintain adequate ventilation and stocking density to reduce respiratory challenge
Work with your vet on achieving high health status through strategic depopulation and restocking