When buying breeder stocks for replacement, make certain that the animals have been immunized against prevalent diseases in the area such as hog cholera and swine plague.

Always seek the advice/services of the nearest veterinarian and/or government technician or the office of the Bureau of Animal Industry.

Source of material: Department of Agriculture, Manila, Philippines

Scouring (Diarrhea) Or Gastroenteritis Complex 

CAUSE                

Inflammation of the small intestine by parasites, bacteria, or by sudden change of diet. It is caused by various carriers or conditions: 

Dietary Scours - brought about by sudden change in feed or irregular feeding.

Colibacillosis - from contaminated water supply, change in feed which upsets balance of bacteria in intestines, and stress factors like weaning, vaccination, transfer to other pens.

TGE - due to introduction of new pigs, some may be carriers of the virus; mixing animals of different ages.

Balantidiosis - usually brought about by contaminated drinking water and/or contaminated forage such as kangkong.

Dysentery -associated with any form stress like transport or change of feed, feeding of contaminated kitchen slops.

Gastro-intestinal Parasites -overcrowding of animals, lack of deworming program.

 

Dehydration is the biggest problem and can cause death in most cases; it must be  immediately corrected by giving fluids. Effective treatment and control depend on correct diagnosis or identification of cause. This is quite difficult because of the complicated nature of the disease, so it is best to consult a veterinarian for      confirmation of diagnosis. Emphasize preventive aspects of  management, as       treatment is both difficult and expensive. 

MMA (Mastitis -Metritis -Agalactia Syndrome)

CAUSE                   

Mastitis and agalactia (absence or lack of milk) arise from non- specific ,or unknown causes. It may be due to infection or stresses like excitement, difficult farrowing, digestive trouble of dietary origin and other , environmental factors. Metritis is a non-specific inflammation of the uterus and is associated with retained placenta, abortion or difficult delivery (dystocia).

 

SIGNS                       

· Temperature above or below normal

· Discharge of reddish brown mucus mixed with shreds of placental membranes that

attract flies.

· Tenderness and warmth in mammary tissue.

 

PREVENTION          

· Check health status of breeding sows. Replace those with history of breeding

troubles.

· Proper diet, exercise, and provision of clean, disinfected far- rowing pens

reduce incidence of farrowing troubles.

· Mild, light laxative feed for sow is recommended after farrowing.

· Eliminate stresses and possible causes of udder injuries.

HEALTH MANAGEMENT

Hog Cholera or Swine Fever

Pigs get contaminated through direct contact or by eating uncooked slops or kitchen scraps containing the virus.

SIGNS

· Fever, loss of appetite

· Increased thirst, chills and sometimes vomiting.

· Constipation, later followed by diarrhea

· Inflammation of the eye (conjunctivitis) thick discharges causing eyelids to stick together

· Reddish, purple discoloration of skin at ears, abdomen, inner thighs or tail

 

Death ensues 4- 7 days after onset of signs duration of illness (chronic form) terminates in pneumonia or hemorrhagic enteritis, or both

PREVENTION AND CONTROL

 

Vaccinate all pigs against the disease using a reliable vaccine, weanling at one week before or after weaning-; sows and boars, every six months.

 

Dispose all pigs known to have the disease. Disinfect contaminated pens and premises properly

Avoid giving uncooked slops or kitchen scraps to pigs which are common sources of infection.

REFERENCES

Swine Farming Manual by Melanio G. Supnet and Oscar Gatmaitan Pagbababuyan sa Likod Bahay -an LDC Publication,

AgriScope Agribusiness Opportunities

Valente Villegas Book on Swine Raising 
Basic Pig Keeping Manual -ITCPH 

Swine Dysentery

SIGNS.                   

· Loss of appetite

· Fever

· Rough coat and weakness

· Watery feces flecked with mucus or blood

 

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT    

Antibiotics in feed for two weeks when disease is prevalent

Quarantine new arrivals for a week and feed high level antibiotics

Brucellosis Of Pigs Or Contagious Abortion

CAUSE                     

Bruce/la suis 

HISTORY               

· Abortion when sow is at second or third month of pregnancy.

· Irregular heat cycles, presence of repeat breeders,

· Still births 

SIGNS 

· Aborted fetus

· Small litters or weak piglets

· Mayor may not have metritis

· Localization of agent in joint causes in coordination, paralysis and lameness.

· Not necessarily fatal unless complicated by metritis

 

PREVENTION       

· High incidence of the disease necessitates replacement of entire herd and

restocking after 6 -8 months.

· Apply strict hygienic measures on farm.

· Purchase breeding animals from certified negative herds.

· As there is no satisfactory vaccine or treatment, the practical approach is to test and dispose of    positive cases.

Keep buildings, run-ways, pens and equipment clean always. Sanitize and disinfect them regularly.

Quarantine or isolate animals recently brought from other sources.

Beginner's Guide: Stock market

Healthy Living and Household tips

Beginner's  Guide: Hog Raising