Keeping your herd health to the maximum is crucial in pig farming. Pigs are susceptible to a range of diseases that can affect their health and productivity directly.

Let`s review the most common pig diseases below.

1. **Swine Influenza**: Similar to the human flu, swine influenza is a viral infection that causes fever, coughing, and sneezing. It is typically spread through the air when an infected pig coughs or sneezes.

2. **Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS)**: This viral disease causes reproductive problems in sows and respiratory issues in pigs of all ages. Symptoms include fever, lethargy, and difficulty breathing.

3. **ASF**: Also known as hog cholera, this bacterial infection causes fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain and sudden death. It is typically spread from sick animals with physical contact and feces and other liquids. There is no cure.

4. **Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae**: This bacterial infection causes pneumonia in pigs and can lead to chronic respiratory disease.

5. **Leptospirosis**: This bacterial infection is spread through contaminated water or soil and can cause fever, vomiting, and kidney failure.

6. **Dysentery**: It`s a type of gastroenteritis that results in bloody diarrhea and other symptoms include fever, abdominal pain. Complications may include dehydration.

Prevention and control measures for swine sicknesses are key to a safe herd and stable production. What are the right measures that a pgifarm manager and their team should follow up strictly ?

Biosecurity Measures

1. Isolation of New and Sick Animals: Quarantine new pigs and isolate sick ones to prevent disease spread.
2. Controlled Access: Restrict farm access to authorized personnel and enforce strict hygiene protocols for visitors.
3. Wildlife Control: Implement measures to prevent wild animals from entering the farm.

Vaccination and Health Monitoring

1. Vaccination Programs: Regularly vaccinate pigs against common diseases like swine flu, PRRS (Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome), and others.
2. Routine Health Checks: Monitor pigs’ health regularly for any signs of illness and take action promptly.

Hygiene Practices

1. Clean and Disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect all areas where pigs are housed to reduce the risk of disease.
2. Proper Waste Management: Ensure proper disposal of waste and dead animals to prevent contamination.

Nutrition and Welfare

1. Balanced Diet: Provide a balanced diet to ensure pigs have the necessary nutrients to stay healthy.
2. Clean Water: Ensure pigs always have access to clean drinking water.
3. Stress Reduction: Minimize stress by providing adequate space, proper ventilation, and a comfortable living environment.

Parasite Control

1. Regular Deworming: Implement a deworming schedule to control internal parasites.
2. External Parasite Control: Use appropriate measures to control lice, mites, and other external parasites.

By adhering to these practices, you can significantly reduce the risk of diseases and maintain a healthy and productive pig herd. Understanding the common sicknesses that affect swines and taking steps to prevent and control them, farmers and producers can help ensure the health and well-being of their animals.

Contact me for full audit of your farm today!