Respiratory diseases including PRRS, swine influenza, and enzootic pneumonia are major welfare and production challenges in pig farming.
Pigs with respiratory disease experience laboured breathing, fever, and reduced ability to compete for food and water. Severe PRRS causes profound depression and high mortality in naive herds. Chronic mild respiratory disease causes sustained welfare impairment without visible dramatic signs. Welfare-focused approaches prioritise prevention through biosecurity and vaccination, appropriate stocking density, and high-quality ventilation to reduce pathogen burden.