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Swine Pneumonia

Swine pneumonia encompasses several diseases affecting the lungs of pigs. Most often, it is not a single microbe that is responsible, but multiple agents acting together: bacteria such as Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae, Actinobacillus pleuropneum...

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Definition Signs Causes Transmission Diagnosis Treatment Prevention Vaccination Complications When to see a vet Prognosis FAQ Sources Affected species

What is it?

It is often referred to as "porcine respiratory disease complex" because several microbes and farming factors combine to make pigs sick. This disease is very common in intensive pig farms worldwide, including in Tunisia, and represents a major cause of economic losses for farmers.

Key point

Some acute forms, particularly with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, can cause rapid death in pigs and require urgent veterinary intervention at the herd level.

Commonly observed signs

These signs are neither exhaustive nor specific. Only a veterinarian can establish a diagnosis.

Related signs — each one links to its page:

Cough Difficulty breathing Rapid breathing Fever Loss of appetite Reduction Weight loss Runny nose Sneezing Stunted growth

Affected pigs cough, especially after exertion or when entering the pig house. Breathing becomes faster and sometimes difficult, with marked abdominal movement during respiration.

Fever, loss of appetite, and general lethargy are often observed. Animals grow more slowly than normal and may lose weight.

In more severe forms, such as during Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae infection, death can occur rapidly, sometimes with no visible signs beforehand, with a frothy blood discharge from the nose in some cases.

When to consult without delay

This list does not replace veterinary advice. It gathers situations that justify a prompt consultation.

Causes and risk factors

Several infectious agents are involved, often in combination. Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae is frequently the initial culprit, as it weakens the lungs' defences. Other bacteria then take advantage of this weakness: Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Pasteurella multocida, Glaesserella (Haemophilus) parasuis, Bordetella bronchiseptica, Streptococcus suis.

Viruses can also contribute to the disease, particularly porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), porcine circovirus type 2, or swine influenza virus.

High stocking density of pigs in the same building promotes transmission between animals. Poor ventilation, excessive humidity, and sudden temperature changes weaken respiratory defenses.

Mixing pigs of different ages or origins, transport, early weaning, and stress in general increase the risk. The presence of several diseases or parasites in the herd at the same time also worsens the situation.

Transmission

Transmission occurs mainly by the respiratory route, from a sick pig to a healthy pig, through droplets expelled during coughing or sneezing. Close contact between animals in a confined space greatly promotes spread.

Diagnosis and care

Diagnosis is the veterinarian's responsibility, based on clinical examination and laboratory tests. Care is decided case by case.

The veterinarian examines the pigs, listens to their breathing, and assesses the clinical signs in the herd as a whole. Samples can be taken (nasal swabs, blood, or lung washings) to identify the agents responsible.

Necropsy of dead animals is often very helpful to observe the appearance of the lungs and confirm the diagnosis. Laboratory tests allow precise identification of the bacteria or viruses involved.

Treatment

Treatment typically relies on antibiotics suited to the bacteria identified, prescribed and supervised by a veterinarian. Anti-inflammatories may be used alongside antibiotics to relieve the animal.

Supportive measures such as improved ventilation, reduced stocking density, and stress management always accompany drug treatment.

Treatment depends on the cause and the animal's condition: it must be determined by a veterinarian. No self-medication.

Prevention

Good herd management practices significantly limit risk: separate batch rearing, all-in all-out between groups, appropriate ventilation, and freedom from cold draughts.

Vaccination against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and sometimes against other agents is part of the prevention tools used on farms, based on veterinary advice.

Reducing stress during weaning and transport, avoiding the mixing of pigs from different sources, and maintaining strict hygiene of buildings also help prevent the disease.

Vaccination

Vaccines are available against Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae and, depending on the farm, against other agents such as PRRS virus. The choice of vaccination protocol should be established with a veterinarian based on the health status of the herd.

Possible complications

Without treatment, the disease can progress to chronic pneumonia that permanently slows pig growth. Complications such as lung abscesses, pleurisy (inflammation of the membrane surrounding the lungs), or widespread septicemia may occur.

Severe cases, especially those caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, can lead to sudden death of several animals in the same group.

When to see a veterinarian

Persistent or worsening cough affecting several pigs in the same group.

Rapid, difficult, or noisy breathing.

Fever associated with marked depression.

Unexplained growth delay in several animals.

Sudden death of one or more pigs without warning signs.

Prognosis

The prognosis depends on how quickly treatment is started and which agents are involved. Pneumonia that is caught early and treated properly often allows good recovery, although growth may remain slightly affected.

Severe acute cases, especially those caused by Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, carry a more guarded prognosis and can result in significant losses in the herd.

Frequently asked questions

Is pig pneumonia contagious to humans?

No, the main agents responsible for this disease are not transmitted to humans. It is not a zoonotic disease.

Can you treat a coughing pig yourself?

No, it is important to consult a veterinarian. Coughing can have multiple causes and inappropriate treatment risks worsening the situation or promoting antibiotic resistance.

Is vaccination enough to prevent disease?

Vaccination reduces the risk and severity of disease, but it must be combined with good husbandry practices: ventilation, hygiene, and animal stress management.

Why do several pigs from the same batch fall ill at the same time?

This disease spreads easily through the respiratory route between animals in close contact. On a farm, a sick pig can therefore quickly infect others in the same group.