Respiratory Disease in Pigs: Welfare in Intensive Systems 2026

Porcine respiratory disease complex (PRDC) is a major welfare and production challenge in intensive pig farming, requiring multi-faceted management.

Key Facts

PRDC is caused by a combination of pathogens including PCV2, PRRS virus, Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, and others
It is the most economically significant disease complex in intensive pig production worldwide
Air quality, stocking density, and mixing of pigs from different sources are major risk factors
Clinical signs include coughing, reduced growth, and in severe cases dyspnoea and death
Vaccination programmes targeting key pathogens are a cornerstone of prevention but do not eliminate disease

Welfare Considerations

Respiratory disease causes significant welfare compromise in affected pigs - coughing, breathlessness, fever, and reduced appetite are distressing chronic conditions that persist for weeks or months. The systemic nature of PRDC, involving multiple interacting pathogens in suboptimal environments, means that improving individual pig welfare requires addressing housing conditions, ventilation, and stocking density alongside vaccination and treatment. Pigs that fail to thrive in heavy disease challenge environments often receive insufficient veterinary attention. Regular respiratory scoring, prompt identification and treatment of affected pigs, and continuous improvement of air quality are key welfare priorities.

What You Can Do

Support pig producers implementing comprehensive PRDC prevention programmes
Choose higher-welfare pork from farms with active health monitoring and intervention
Advocate for air quality and ventilation standards in pig housing regulation
Encourage research into alternatives to routine antibiotic metaphylaxis for respiratory disease control